News

Cape Breton M.P.s call on government to fund important environmental programs

SYDNEY, NS – Cape Breton MPs Rodger Cuzner and Mark Eyking are calling on Environment Minister Jim Prentice to provide a funding update to all 16 Atlantic Coastal Action Programs, including ACAP Cape Breton.

Since 1992, the 16 organizations in the ACAP network have each received core funding to the tune of $80,000 annually from Environment Canada. This year, there has been no information as to if or when they can expect the funding process to begin.  

The Atlantic Coastal Action Programs network is dedicated to maintaining and improving the environment and has been a driving force for awareness and action in our local communities through ACAP Cape Breton’s many programs such as science and monitoring, environmental education and awareness, and hands-on community involvement. 

“ACAP Cape Breton’s programs provide real, measurable outcomes like protection of local ecosystems, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and education of youth and community members on best environmental practices,” says Rodger Cuzner, Cape Breton-Canso MP.

ACAP Cape Breton also offers stream and habitat restoration projects, endangered species monitoring, an electronics recycling program, and is also a provider of the EnerGuide for Houses Program.

“Since its inception in 1992, ACAP has been consistently funded by Environment Canada, and has become a critically important part of the local community,” says Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria. “It’s important that they are able to continue these rewarding programs.” 

Eyking and Cuzner are calling on the government to provide immediate Atlantic Priority Ecosystem Initiative support or commit to one-year interim funding that will allow ACAP Cape Breton to continue to support the region’s important environmental and conservation initiatives.

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For more information:

Eleanor Anderson, Executive Director, ACAP Cape Breton: 567-1628

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP, Cape Breton-Canso: 842-9403

Office of Mark Eyking, MP, Sydney-Victoria: 567-6275