Canada provides new investment in freshwater research st IISD Experimental Lakes Area
The Government of Canada will provide new investment in freshwater research st IISD Experimental Lakes Area, which is a unique research facility and is the only place in the world where scientists can conduct research on real lakes and ecosystems for the most accurate and comprehensive results, the government official website said.
Research conducted at IISD-ELA supports Canada’s long-term understanding of the country's freshwater ecosystems and leads to better decision-making on the use and protection of freshwater resources for the benefit of all Canadians and future generations.
That is why, as committed in Budget 2016, Member of Parliament, the Honourable Bob Nault (Kenora), on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today confirmed the Government of Canada’s investment in freshwater research at IISD-ELA, situated in Northwestern Ontario.
Joined by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, MP Nault announced that Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be providing $1.7 million over the next two years to the facility’s operator—IISD-ELA. This investment builds on the provinces’ support to ensure the continuation of the facility’s almost 50 years of ongoing research on how contaminants, climate change and other factors are affecting our freshwater ecosystems that we all depend on.
Quick Facts
- This funding comes from the $197.1 million investment in ocean and freshwater sciences, which was announced in May 2016.
- The federal funding to IISD-ELA will cover the salaries of researchers and technicians and contribute to the facility’s maintenance, data management, and equipment costs.
- The research will cover the long-term study of freshwater ecosystems; fisheries productivity; and, aquatic invasive species and other stressors influencing freshwater fisheries.
- For almost 50 years, IISD-ELA has pioneered research into threats to our freshwater supplies such as phosphorus, nanosilver, acid rain, climate change and more, influencing water-management policies in Canada and around the world.
- The Government of Ontario provides up to $2 million each year to IISD-ELA, and the the Province of Manitoba has committed more than $6 million over six years to support and advance IISD’s operating costs, including the advancement of freshwater science and policy research.
