Winnipeg — Federal Government contributions to sustainable development research totaling $6.7 million were announced today by Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation and the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. This is yet another initiative under the Government of Canada's Project Green, the broad environmental vision that links Canada's economic competitiveness and prosperity to a sustainable future.

Environment Canada has increased its annual support to the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), a Winnipeg-based research organization, from $200,000 to $1 million annually under terms of its three-year agreement with IISD. In recognition of the Institute's ongoing contribution to sustainable development and poverty reduction, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is providing a grant of $3,720,000, over three years.

"The Government of Canada is committed to its research capacities in sustainable development," said Minister Alcock. "Supporting a Winnipeg-based organization such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development demonstrates that Canada recognizes its role and its responsibility towards other countries that are less fortunate."

"Environmental sustainability and poverty reduction are intrinsically linked. I am proud that CIDA is a leader on environment and sustainable development. "More focus on environmental issues is essential, if we, as an international community hope to achieve the Millennium Development Goals," said Minister Carroll.

"IISD has been providing Environment Canada with relevant and advanced research on sustainable development issues such as water quality, biodiversity and climate change," said Minister Dion. "Our partnership has proven, and will continue to prove, invaluable to the quality and precision of Canada's environmental policies."

Dr. Bill Glanville, Vice President and Acting CEO of IISD, thanked Environment Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for their continued support.

"This funding is absolutely crucial to maintaining the intellectual infrastructure that allows IISD to carry out our work and continue to be relevant on so many major issues – from water policy in the Prairies to international negotiations on climate change, to poverty reduction in Mali, to working on environmental policy in China," said Dr. Glanville.

With Government of Canada funding support, the IISD will conduct research and information dissemination activities pertinent to sustainability in Canada and internationally.

Research on sustainable development and engagement of partners on the full range of sustainability challenges including climate change, clean air, clean water, land use and biodiversity supports Project Green - the set of policies and programs aimed at supporting a sustainable environment, healthy population and competitive economy. Project Green addresses environmental and competitiveness issues for the 21^st century including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to increase fuel and energy efficiency and to increase Canadian and foreign markets for environmental technologies that can drive our economy and protect our environment and health. Through Project Green's policies and programs, Canada can set an international example by developing effective model solutions for the long-term health of the planet.