June 15, 2000

The Manitoba government is implementing changes to the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF) to ensure that the fund is better able to address Manitoba’s sustainable development objectives and environmental priorities into the future, Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin has announced.

Lathlin said that the changes will result in clearer guidelines and new funding priorities for proposed projects. The changes will ensure that the fund incorporates a focus on several priority areas including sustainable economic development for Aboriginal communities, agricultural stewardship, urban revitalization and youth.

"Manitobans recognize the value of a healthy economy, environment and community," said Lathlin. "We want to ensure that the fund supports projects that practice the principles of sustainable development by addressing the real issues faced by Manitobans such as sustainable economic development for Aboriginal people, urban decay and agricultural stewardship."

Lathlin said concerns were raised several years ago that the fund was not being used as it had originally been intended, and that some projects were not meeting set criteria. As a result, the provincial auditor launched a review of the fund in 1998. The auditor's report recommended the fund be revised to develop clearer guidelines and to assess criteria used by different departments in administering the fund.

The provincial auditor's report recommended:

• clearly defining the purpose of the fund;
• developing clear eligibility and assessment guidelines; and
• ensuring that only applications that meet the eligibility and assessment guidelines be forwarded to departments for detailed assessment of project quality and value.

"The provincial auditor’s recommendations clearly indicated that in the past the fund was not meeting its sustainable development objectives," said Lathlin. "I am pleased to announce that we have acted on the recommendations. These changes will ensure that the fund will now support projects that meet the criteria in priority areas and cover a wide range of environmental issues."

The overall allocation for the fund is $3.4 million. To be eligible for funding, projects must meet eligibility criteria including priorities identified under the following categories:

• Regional waste management - to support the development and enhancement of new and existing waste transfer stations to minimize environmental risk from landfill waste;
• Environmental technology innovation and demonstration - to support feasibility studies, research and development of new products and processes, environmental technology demonstrations, agricultural stewardship and special projects;
• Northern environmental issues - to support projects that enhance the environment and sustainable economic development activities of northern and remote communities with a priority on Aboriginal communities;
• Sustainable community development - to support sustainable community practices, encourage inner city revitalization and encourage partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in sustainable development processes;
• Ecosystem conservation and agricultural diversification - to support conservation of resources, preservation and maintenance of urban forests and ecosystems, initiatives to rehabilitate and revitalize degraded areas, and sustainable agricultural practices;
• Understanding our environment - to support projects that help Manitobans make educated decisions and take action regarding the environment, such as education and awareness activities, training, research, seminars and forums;
• Eco-tourism - to support initiatives that address ecosystem preservation, public education and economic opportunities through tourism with a priority on rural and northern communities; and
• Water - to support initiatives addressing aquatic nuisance species, livestock stewardship, wise and efficient use of water resources and scientific and technological innovation for projects that reduce water waste and conserve water.

Proposed projects must address one or more of the priority areas and achieve or demonstrate measurable progress towards achieving the fund's objectives. They must also be environmentally and ecologically sound, promote a sustainable approach, have clear environmental benefits and take into account benefits to the community and the economy. Projects should also demonstrate the involvement of youth wherever possible.

- 30 -