News Release

Harper Government Launches Phase II of Contaminated Sites Clean-up Plan

OTTAWA, Ont. -- October 4, 2012 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, and Senator Michel Rivard today announced that the Government of Canada has launched Phase II of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

“The Harper Government’s top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Phase II of our government’s Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan is expected to create 7,300 jobs in waste management and remediation across Canada, an equivalent of about 1,500 full-time jobs per year,” said Minister Kent. “This is another way we are working towards a cleaner and healthier environment, while creating jobs and growing the Canadian economy.”

The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan also supports skills development, training, and employment of Canadians, including Aboriginal communities and others who live in northern and rural areas.

The $1 billion over three years (through to 2014) investment is earmarked primarily for remediation activities at approximately 1,100 contaminated sites, as well as the assessment of about 1,650 sites. “Canada’s National War Museum is a prime example of what can be done when contaminated land is managed properly,” said Senator Rivard. “Before construction, the land at the location of the museum was considered to be a contaminated site. Now it is the cherished home of Canada’s military history.”

The second phase of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan focuses on the remediation of highest priority sites under federal responsibility.

“Our past has made us what we are today but some of those past practices have had harmful effects on the environment”, added Minister Kent. “Our government is committed to addressing those effects and ensuring our environment is protected for all future generations.”

Created in 2004-05 as a 15-year program with a funding commitment of $3.5 billion from the Government of Canada, the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan is now in its second phase and will continue to the year 2020.