Government of Canada increases protection for Sable Island National Park Reserve

Funding will help protect and restore the island's sensitive ecosystems

HALIFAX, Feb. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's national parks play a critical role in shaping our national identity, protecting nature and wildlife, and fighting climate change. That's why the Government of Canada is doubling the protection of Canada's lands and oceans across the country.

Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Sean Fraser, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, Andy Fillmore, announced $3.4 million in funding to help protect and restore Sable Island National Park Reserve's sensitive ecosystems.

Sable Island is home to one of the largest dune systems in eastern North America, an iconic population of wild horses and the largest breeding colony of grey seals in the world, in addition to hundreds of bird and plant species. It also has a long history of human use stretching back centuries. Some infrastructure associated with these past uses, such as surplus buildings and various kinds of debris, remain on the island, posing potential risks to the island's sensitive ecosystems. Through this investment, Parks Canada will initiate a project to remove left-over structures along with hazardous debris from the island.

This funding will also be used to design energy solutions to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels on the island, creating a more efficient and environmentally-sustainable base of operations at a remote and isolated place.

These projects will ensure Sable Island National Park Reserve is protected and continues to be a treasured place that can be shared with future generations.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the environment and recently made the largest investment in nature and conservation in the history of Canada.  This includes efforts to protect and restore our national parks. Through this important investment in Sable Island National Park Reserve, our government is helping preserve this national treasure for future generations."

Sean Fraser, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

"Sable Island National Park Reserve is a unique place that is special to many people in Nova Scotia and across the country. As the MP for Sable Island, I am committed to safeguarding its sensitive ecosystems. The federal funding being announced today will help protect Sable Island, now and into the future."

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax

Quick Facts

• Last month, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced that Parks Canada would not proceed with the proposed Icefields trail project in Jasper National Park. Funds originally earmarked for that project are being re-allocated to support priorities within Parks Canada, including the projects being announced for Sable Island National Park Reserve.
• Sable Island National Park Reserve is approximately 42 km long and 1.5 km wide at its widest point. Located 156 km from Nova Scotia and 290 km from Halifax.
• In October, Minister McKenna launched Let's Talk Sable Island! Canadians were invited to share their ideas and views on the future of Sable Island. The results of this consultation will help shape the management priorities for Sable Island National Park Reserve. A draft management plan is expected to be shared with the public for feedback in spring 2019.
• Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world. The system protects a vast network of natural and heritage places that include 46 national parks, 171 national historic sites, four national marine conservation areas, and one national urban park.

Related Document

Jasper Icefields Trail Project 

Related Links

Sable Island National Park Reserve
Parks Canada

SOURCE Parks Canada