August 10, 2016 news release issued by the Manitoba government
GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, MANITOBA, ONTARIO PROVIDING SUPPORT,
INVESTMENT TO FRESHWATER RESEARCH AT IISD EXPERIMENTAL LAKES AREA
KENORA—The governments of Canada, Manitoba and Ontario are proud to provide support and investment to the freshwater research at IISD-ELA, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Robert Nault, member of Parliament for Kenora on behalf of Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Dominic LeBlanc announced here today.
Experimental Lakes Area operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD-ELA), located in northwestern Ontario, is a unique research facility and is the only place in the world where scientists can conduct research on real lakes and ecosystems for the most accurate and comprehensive results.
“Manitoba is proud to provide IISD its largest, stable grant,” said Pallister. “The IISD Experimental Lakes Area has the potential to achieve breakthroughs in the science around sustainable solutions to many of our province’s water issues. Our lakes and waterways are more than a source of drinking water. They are a significant component of our province’s economic, recreational and tourism potential. Working in partnership with organizations like IISD, we will ensure that future generations are able to rely upon and enjoy our waterways.”
Research conducted at IISD-ELA supports Canada’s long-term understanding of freshwater ecosystems and leads to better decision-making on the use and protection of freshwater resources for the benefit of future generations. The Province of Manitoba has committed more than $6 million over six years to support and advance IISD’s operating costs including the advancement of freshwater science and policy research.
The Government of Ontario provides up to $2 million each year to IISD-ELA. Announced today, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be providing $1.7 million over the next two years to IISD. The federal funding to IISD-ELA will cover the salaries of researchers and technicians and contribute to the facility’s maintenance, data management and equipment costs.
“The unique environmental research being done at the Experimental Lakes Area is a crucial source of insights into some of the most important issues of our time,” said Wynne. “Today I am delighted that the federal government is renewing its partnership in the ELA and once again investing in this vital scientific work.”
“IISD Experimental Lakes Area, situated in beautiful northwestern Ontario, is internationally known for its unique, whole-ecosystem research and its influence on policy decisions, such as the removal of phosphorous from household cleaners,” said Nault. “This government recognizes the value of this important research facility and is committed to seeing its work continue for the benefits of generations to come.”
As part of the efforts to better understand climate change, Manitoba will provide an additional $200,000 from Budget 2016 for the Prairie Climate Centre, which is a collaboration of IISD and the University of Winnipeg. The Prairie Climate Centre is a joint initiative that aims to develop a Canadian Prairies-focused climate-change research and education facility located at the University of Winnipeg.
“The Manitoba government is proud of the leadership of the Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development,” said Cox. “Research into the health of our planet is essential to the well-being of our children and future generations. We look forward to the valued work of IISD at the Experimental Lakes Area, as well as the important focus on climate change research being done in collaboration with the University of Winnipeg.”
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