Funding now open: Canada Water Agency invites applications to protect freshwater ecosystems nationwide

From: Canada Water Agency

January 9, 2025

Protecting freshwater resources starts with empowering local initiatives to protect, restore, and conserve this vital resource. Investing in partner-led projects for environmental protection, restoration, and conservation bolsters Canada’s clean-growth economy and ensures the sustainability of freshwater resources for future generations.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the launch of applications for three Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. Investments in these priority watersheds will enable actions to address regional challenges related to freshwater quality.

Funding is open to a wide range of eligible applicants from across Canada, including Indigenous communities, local governments, non-profits, academic institutions, conservation groups, and businesses to drive meaningful change for Canada’s freshwater ecosystems. Projects will enhance water quality, drive innovation, support community-based monitoring, and incorporate Indigenous knowledge into critical decisions and actions, ensuring a sustainable future.

For more information on the call for applications, including eligibility criteria and how to apply for funding, please visit Funding opportunities. The submission deadline is February 13, 2025 for the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives applications.

Further call for applications under the Freshwater Action Plan—including the Fraser River and the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives, as well as the EcoAction Community Funding Program—will open in the winter of 2025.

Quotes

“Partner-led projects are critical to safeguarding fresh water for future generations. I encourage all eligible groups to apply and advance innovative solutions for the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. We look forward to supporting projects that will have a positive impact on fresh water and on our communities.”

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Last year, our government created the Canada Water Agency, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as a standalone federal body dedicated to freshwater protection and management. The Agency’s funding launched today will invest in partner-led projects that protect and conserve the environment, strengthen our economy, and safeguard freshwater resources for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $650 million over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan to strengthen the protection and restoration of nationally significant bodies of fresh water.
• The Canada Water Agency is Canada’s federal agency for fresh water, with a mandate to improve freshwater management by leading, collaborating, and coordinating with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples.
• The Canada Water Agency leads the delivery of Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives in eight waterbodies of national significance across Canada: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, the St. Lawrence River, the Wolastoq/Saint John River, the Fraser River, the Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.

Associated links

• Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives
• Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
• Lake Winnipeg Basin Program
• Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
• Canada Water Agency

Contacts
Hermine Landry
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
873-455-3714
Hermine.Landry@ec.gc.ca

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
media@ec.gc.ca

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