/R E P E A T -- New Government of Canada fund to help reduce climate change impacts and better protect Canadians against natural disasters/

GATINEAU, QC, May 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in disaster mitigation and adaptation infrastructure projects to strengthen communities against the effects of climate change is critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Canadians, promoting economic growth, and strengthening the middle class.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, was at the Hull Marina to help announce the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. This 10-year national program will invest $2 billion in projects that help communities better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, seismic events, and droughts. This announcement follows the official launch yesterday, in Calgary, by the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi.

The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will support large-scale infrastructure projects with a minimum cost of $20 million. Such projects include diversion channels, wetland restorations, wildfire barriers, and setback levees.

These projects will safeguard public health and safety, protect people's homes, make sure access to essential services is not interrupted, and help communities protect their residents' quality of life.

Applicants wishing to be considered for funding under the program will have until July 31, 2018, to submit an expression of interest to Infrastructure Canada. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, provinces and territories; municipal and regional governments; Canadian public or not-for-profit post-secondary institutions that partner with a Canadian municipality; and band councils and First Nation, Inuit, or Métis governments.

For the full eligibility list and other program details, visit the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund website.  

Quotes

"The effects of climate change are devastating to communities and the economy. Now more than ever, we need to take measures to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters related to climate change. Here in Canada's National Capital Region and across the country, we are experiencing more extreme weather, such as the recent flooding in Ottawa-Gatineau. Helping Canadians to adapt to the impacts of climate change and build resilience is a pillar of Canada's climate plan. Today's launch of the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will allow Canadian communities to be better prepared for climate change impacts, and it will ensure essential community services remain in place."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi

Quick Facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public-transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will support large-scale disaster mitigation and adaptation projects with a minimum eligible cost of $20 million, which help ensure continuous essential services and reduce the potential impacts of severe weather and other natural hazards.
• From 1983 to 2004, insurance claims in Canada from severe-weather events totalled almost $400 million a year. In the past decade, that amount tripled to more than $1 billion a year.

Related Products

• Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

Associated Links

• Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
• Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada