Committed to taking real action to tackle climate change, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $10.9 million in 32 projects that will reduce emissions and help Manitoba businesses access low-carbon technologies that save money and energy, create jobs and build climate resilient communities, Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt and Terry Duguid, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister and special advisor for water, on behalf of federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, announced on June 27.
"Manitobans are seeing the impacts of climate change, and they want to see all levels of government working together to protect our air, land, and water," said Schmidt. "From housing to agriculture, we are working with businesses and organizations to reduce emissions, save money, and save energy."
Projects funded through round one of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) merit-based program will help Manitoba:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including transition from combustion of fossil fuels to renewable energy;
- promote growth in the low carbon economy and green job creation;
- support industry competitiveness; and
- improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
"Since we launched the Low Carbon Economy Fund, we have seen an incredible response from communities across Canada that want to cut their pollution and be more energy efficient," said Duguid. "The 32 projects announced today, are important investments that will continue to get us closer to reaching our national emission reduction goals and building more resilient communities."
This funding will support a range of projects in communities across Manitoba, including non-profit and social housing, and mixed-use community development projects along with supporting 24 projects in the agricultural sector.
"We at Rutherford Farms have made many changes on our farm over the years to make it more sustainable," said Rick Rutherford, president and owner, Rutherford Farms. "The funding we received from the LCEF program is helping us move to our latest goal to become a net zero emissions farm."
Eligible recipients for the LCEF fund include municipalities, government entities, industry, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations. Investments in climate action initiatives, such as the ones announced, are necessary for Manitoba and Canada to achieve their climate goals and build a strong, clean economy for everyone.
For a list of LCEF merit-based approved projects, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/climatechange/lcef-approved-round-one-projects.pdf.
To view the backgrounder, click here.
