LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, April 16, 2009 – On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. David Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex, today announced funding for two environmental organizations in the Point Pelee National Park of Canada area.

Mr. Van Kesteren announced funding of $225,000 over three years to the Carolinian Canada Coalition for implementation of the Coastal Zone Program: Cooperative Stewardship along Lake Erie Shore. He also announced funding of $165,000 over two years to the Essex Region Conservation Authority for the Point Pelee Peninsula Eastern Shoreline Erosion Mitigation Study as well as $21,000 to the Essex Region Conservation Authority for the Colchester to Southeast Shoal Littoral Cell Beach Nourishment Study.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to collaborate with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Municipality of Leamington and the Carolinian Canada Coalition to determine solutions to the resource and land management challenges as well as the need for the recovery and protection of our nation’s species at risk facing the Point Pelee peninsula, which includes Point Pelee National Park” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “Sustainable solutions will be determined that will meet the needs of all stakeholders in the southeast Leamington area.”

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a vast network of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.

Considering the importance community members and all Canadians place on the rare ecosystem and the unique visitor experiences found at Point Pelee National Park, Canada’s southern most national park, Parks Canada remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to maintain and improve the ecological integrity of Point Pelee National Park.