Province Funds Green Projects During Lead-Up to Earth Day

By Elmer Heinrichs

The Manitoba government is awarding $75,800 in grants from the Conservation and Climate Fund to support three projects that are helping protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein in the lead-up to Earth Day.

“We are proud to support these three green projects that work to mitigate carbon emissions from refrigerants, support climate resiliency in Winnipeg’s inner city and foster stronger connections with nature and local food production,” said Klein. “These initiatives will help play a role in protecting our environment while advancing our government’s priority to transition Manitoba to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”

Funding support for the three projects includes pro- viding $43,300 to Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Association Inc. for delivery of new natural refrigerant training to new and experienced technicians; contributing $25,000 to Manitoba Eco-Network for the next phase of the Building Community Climate Resiliency Project with inner city neighbourhoods in Winnipeg; and investing $7,500 in the Boyne Regional Library in Carman for nature discovery backpacks and a seed library program for families to engage with local natural habitats.

“The funding will help fill a gap by providing much-needed training for Manitoba’s refrigerant technicians to gain the expertise and hands-on knowledge to safely and properly handle equipment for emerging and green refrigerants,” said Mark Miller, executive director, Manitoba Ozone Pro- tection Industry Association Inc. “This training initiative will reduce the use of potent greenhouse refrigerant gases in automobile air conditioning, fridges and freezers, water coolers, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners and other equipment.”

The Manitoba government launched the conservation and climate fund to support projects implemented by non-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipalities and northern communities to address climate change and protect the environment.

Last year, the Manitoba government increased the fund to $1.5 million to support even more green projects and initiatives, noted Klein. The Manitoba government is now also accepting applications for the 2023 intake of the fund. The deadline for applications is May 23.