Federal Government cuts environmental network funding
Bad news for the environmental sector in Canada. The federal government announced that it is cutting the $547,000 per year funding that it provides to the Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN). The RCEN parents and funds provincial networks including the OEN (Ontario Environment Network). The OEN in turn provides information and support (but not funding) to regional environmental networks, and offers workshops, conferences, and information to ENGOs across Ontario.
The OEN has temporarily laid off its coordinator of 12 years, Phillip Penna. The OEN annual conference will go ahead November 18-20 in Lakefield. Phillip and the OEN started HEN in 2004 in partnership with the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights. The RCEN is keeping its doors open.
Links:
- Canadian Environmental Network news release
- Ontario Environment Network
- CBC news story, including a copy of the letter from Environment Canada
- CTV news story, followed by many public comments
