| Canadian Environmental Network Funding Slashed | 14 October 11 |
The Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) received notice October 13th, 2011 that it would not receive its annual funding of $547,000. Environment Canada indicated in May of 2011 that the government would renew funding. RCEN, a network of 640 environmental organizations across Canada, has received federal funding each year for decades.RCEN is now scrambling to get Environment Canada to reverse its decision, while preparing for layoffs within the organization. Oliver Kolmel, chairperson, said RCEN has attempted to reach out to Environment Canada, but has so far seen "no response" to requests for a review of the decision to withdraw funding. According to Kolmel, Environment Canada indicated in its notice to RCEN that it made its decision after conducting a review of finances for grants and program contributions within the department. Kolmel said if the government cuts ties with RCEN, they will be losing out on a valuable resource that would be very costly to replace. The agency previously helped the federal government engage the public in the creation of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency as well as the adoption of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act., and routinely assisted with cross Canada information sessions and consultations. "We have been around for 30 years and we have millions of volunteer hours that have been given by our membership," said Kolmel. View October 13, 2011 Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) press releaseView October 14, 2011 CTV News article View October 14, 2011 Vancouver Sun article View October 14, 2011 Rabble.ca article View October 14, 2011 MiningWatch Canada article View October 14, 2011 The Vancouver Sun article Source:
RCEN, CTV, Rabble.ca
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