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Resources & Tools
2000/27
April 28, 2000
SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES
THROUGH SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
MAGOG-ORFORD (QC) — The Government of Canada is providing communities with the tools and information they need to integrate social, environmental and economic factors in their decision making. Canadian communities will receive $5 million over 5 years through the Sustainable Communities Initiative, announced the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario). Mr. Mitchell made the announcement today at the National Rural Conference in Magog-Orford, Quebec, on behalf of Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
The funds are provided through GeoConnections, a national partnership initiative to provide Canadians with access to geographical information, tools and services over the Internet. Under the Sustainable Communities Initiative, up to 100 communities will receive assistance for projects that use geographical information to address a major community need.
"It's all about Aboriginal, rural and remote communities having the information they need to take charge of their own futures," said Mr. Mitchell. "It gives them the tools, the information, the training, and the expert advice they need to deal with environmental, economic and social pressures, and to seek and seize opportunities."
This announcement follows a successful pilot phase during which 12 community projects were funded. For instance, the Wahnapitae First Nation created a digital map showing the traditional territory and uses of the entire Wahnapitae Watershed, which is northeast of Sudbury, Ontario. The First Nation will use this information to deal with issues related to mining, forestry and hydropower, while promoting environmental protection and land-use management. The information will also help it protect sites related to its history and its traditional way of life.
The Sustainable Communities Initiative helps communities to buy or update computers and software for geographical, Internet and decision-support work. It also provides technical support in obtaining and using geographical data, and trains members of the community. A unique feature is the mentoring system — communities that have already completed a project provide support and expert advice to help other communities throughout their projects.
The Sustainable Communities Initiative is led by NRCan, in partnership with
other federal government departments, as well as provincial, territorial and
local governments and programs.
Funding for GeoConnections was provided for in the 1999 federal budget.
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For more information, media may contact:
Pat Breton
Press Secretary
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available on the Internet at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca.