OSHAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 22, 2010) - On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Oshawa, Ontario. In total, $17,000 in federal funding will support local action to reduce pollution, improve air and water quality, and protect wildlife and natural habitat.

"Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program supports projects that help to increase our communities' knowledge and skills in order to sustain our clean air, water, land, and energy," said M.P. Carrie. "As Canadians, we must focus our attention on protecting, rehabilitating and enhancing our natural environment."

"This government is committed to addressing the environmental priorities of Canadians," said Minister Prentice. "We are proud to support community groups across the country willing to take concrete action through on-the-ground environmental projects that will achieve a more sustainable Canada. Your actions, large or small, will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that is part of our natural heritage."

The Climate Change Action Program will empower local youths and their families with knowledge about climate change. Five thousand youths will take home the "At Home Energy Audit" kit with a goal for their families to reduce energy consumption and water usage. This project will ultimately be incorporated into Scouts Canada's summer program.

"This funding will help us train volunteers and deliver fun educational workshops for youth and adults that are focused on climate change action, saving energy, conserving water, and reducing greenhouse gases," said Natalie Benson, Scouts Canada Project Manager. "This program will ensure that participants feel they are part of a solution that will produce tangible results within the community."

The EcoAction Community Funding Program is a Government of Canada initiative that supports projects that rehabilitate, protect or enhance the natural environment, and builds the capacity of communities and individuals in support of a more sustainable Canada. The project announced today will assist locally-based, non-profit organizations in initiating actions that result in cleaner air, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner water, and the protection of nature at the local community level.

More information about the EcoAction Community Funding Program is available on Environment Canada's website, at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction.

For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the Web site of Environment Canada, at http://www.ec.gc.ca/.

(Également offert en français)