Harper Government Invests in Recreational Fisheries Conservation Project in Dufferin-Caledon

CALEDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 22, 2014) - The Government of Canada has partnered with the Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship to undertake tree planting improvements along Caledon Creek. Member of Parliament, David Tilson, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the federal government's investment in the Caledon Creek tree-planting program. Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship will receive up to $5,500 to support the conservation of fish habitat in Caledon.

As part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created to restore Canada's waterways and to ensure sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. Given its success in ensuring a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country, and high demand, the Government of Canada increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.

The Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship will contribute to the conservation and restoration of our country's natural environment and help connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1.28 million has been made available for 14 projects in Ontario.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. Details about the program can be found on the Program's web site (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.

Quick Facts

• The Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship will improve Brook Trout habitat through riparian plantings along stream courses that have been previously degraded.
• Since the launch of the program, over $18 million has already been committed to more than 300 projects across Canada.
• Under the first round, the program awarded $5.9 million to 94 projects undertaken between 2013 and 2015.
• Under the second round, the program committed up to $5.5 million to 128 projects undertaken between 2014 and 2015.
• Under the third round of the RFCPP, up to $6.8M was committed for over 80 projects to be undertaken between 2014 and 2016.
• The fourth round of funding applications is now closed. Successful projects will be announced shortly.

Quotes

"The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program allows our Government to support an important economic sector while also ensuring sustainable fisheries. Our Government is proud to support their work that will benefit Canadian communities for years to come."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Hard working organizations like the Halton-Peel Woodlands & Wildlife Stewardship are the foundation of 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."

David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon