Harper Government Invests in Recreational Fisheries Projects in North Vancouver, B.C.

NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 29, 2015) - Member of Parliament Andrew Saxton, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the Government of Canada's investment in MacKay Creek. Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the North Shore Wetland Partners Society will receive up to $21,000 to support the conservation of fish habitat in North Vancouver.

The North Shore Wetland Partners Society will receive up to $21,000 to restore the streamside (riparian zone) surrounding MacKay Creek, to improve the creek's fish habitat. The work will re-establish native plant species and install beaver deterrents to protect streamside trees. This work complements habitat restoration previously completed in the MacKay Creek estuary.

Part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created in 2013 to restore Canada's recreational fisheries habitat and to support the sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. The program proved immediately successful, prompting the Harper Government to increase its investment through Economic Action Plans 2014 and 2015 to a total of $55 million until 2018-2019.

The B.C. Conservation Foundation and the North Shore Wetland Partners Society will contribute to the conservation and restoration of our country's natural environment. Under the fourth round of the RFCPP, up to $4.85 million has been made available for 61 projects in British Columbia.

MP Saxton also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Government of Canada and the Pacific Salmon Federation (PSF), an organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon and its natural habitats across both British Columbia and the Yukon.

Since 2006, the Harper Government has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. Details about the RFCPP can be found on the RFCPP Web site.

Quick Facts

• Since the launch of the program in 2013, almost $16 million has already been committed to more than 280 projects across Canada.
• Under the fourth round of the RFCPP, over $10.4 million was committed for over 180 projects to be undertaken nationally between 2015 and 2016.
• Recreational fishing contributes significantly to the Canadian economy, especially in rural areas. In 2010, for example, angling generated $8.3 billion for local economies.The fifth round of funding applications will be open from October 26 to December 16, 2015.

Quotes

"The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program allows our Government to support an important economic sector while also ensuring sustainable fisheries. I would like to congratulate the proponents who applied under this program. We are supporting groups, from across the country, which are undertaking restoration projects that will benefit their communities for years to come."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Community organizations like the B.C. Conservation Foundation and the North Shore Wetland Partners Society are critical partners in the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. Our government will continue to advocate for recreational fishing, an important economic activity which contributes billions to our economy and is a part of our heritage. Together with our like-minded partners, we recognize the importance of protecting and restoring fishing habitat for generations to come."

Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver

"The North Shore Wetland Partners Society is appreciative of the Government of Canada's support in restoring the MacKay Creek ecosystem. We are grateful for the funding that MP Saxton has announced today, which will allow us to enhance the riparian area surrounding the creek's estuary so it can better provide spawning and rearing habitat for cutthroat trout, chum and coho salmon, and other important wildlife species that call MacKay Creek home."

Paul Berlingette, President, North Shore Wetland Partners Society

"The Pacific Salmon Foundation has had a long-standing partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and salmon streamkeepers in North Vancouver. Since the creation of our foundation in 1987, we have made 46 grants totaling $535,000 in North Vancouver, which local volunteers turned into $3.2 million in activities with local fundraising, in-kind donations and volunteer time. The strong commitment of salmon conservationists in North Vancouver and MacKay Creek, coupled with federal funds from the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program, resulted in the much-needed restoration of MacKay Creek estuary."

Michael Meneer, Vice President, Pacific Salmon Foundation

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