Vital Funding Continues to be Delayed: Easter Friday, February 12, 2010
HUNTER RIVER - Malpeque MP, Wayne Easter is concerned over the continued lack of commitment from the Harper government on renewing agreements with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) which affects local organizations including the Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association (BBEMA).
Easter commented, “After embarrassing Canadians on the world stage in Copenhagen one would think the Harper government would want to step out of the negative spotlight and show that they are concerned about the environment; instead we are seeing them look the other way and risk losing 16 key organizations in Atlantic Canada’s conservation efforts.”
“BBEMA,” Easter stated, “provides an important service to the Malpeque area with its development and implementation of watershed-based groundwater nitrate monitoring. The Association also has a curriculum of educational programs which reach students all across the province; to date over 1,700 students have participated in water quality monitoring activities.”
Easter was responding to delays BBEMA is experiencing with necessary ACAP funding, placing the organization and its programs in jeopardy. BBEMA and other organizations in Atlantic Canada are being told they will not hear if funding is available until the end of March, preventing the groups from making any long term or multi-year plans.
“The services and educational experiences that BBEMA and other associations like it provide are second to none. The hands-on experience and knowledge of conservation has profound effects on an individual's environmental outlook that can last a lifetime and we know a more sustainable environment is imperative to our future. The Government of Canada needs to prioritize worthy initiatives such as those provided by BBEMA and the other Atlantic Canadian groups by confirming funding agreements without delay.”
Returning
MP: Wayne Easter
Province: Prince
Edward Island
Region: Atlantic
Region
Area: 1 663
km2
Population: 33,796
(2006 census)
Major census subdivisions: Charlottetown*
and Cornwall
Other
electoral districts: Cardigan, Egmont, Hillsborough
Polling divisions: 68
Number
of electors on preliminary list: 25,234
(Elections Canada)
*Denotes that a census
subdivision occurs in more than one electoral district.
The agriculture industry is
a complex and multi-level chain comprising of suppliers,
farmers, processors, retailers and consumers in Canada
and abroad. This industry is a generator of wealth,
key to Canada's prosperity.
As Agriculture Critic, I have the opportunity to
work with industry, primary producers and Parliament
to build a stronger, more vibrant rural Canada and
strengthen our farmer's voice in Ottawa.
