Closed
Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
Supports freshwater protection projects in the watershed
Last Update: June 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
New Brunswick, Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $200,000 per project to support freshwater protection in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed. It funds projects focused on nutrient reduction, science and knowledge, and Indigenous-led water quality initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Nutrient reduction actions and demonstrations
- Research, monitoring, modeling, and knowledge-sharing on water quality issues
- Indigenous-led water quality capacity building and engagement
- Collaboration and partnerships to address watershed water quality
Documents Needed
- Project proposal
- Application form submitted in GCEMS
- Budget completed in GCEMS
- Confirmation of all funding sources
- Project design and delivery summary
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, communities and associations
- Research, academic and educational institutions
- Municipal and local governments
Who is not eligible
- Businesses and industry
- Federal government organizations
- Provincial government organizations
Eligible expenses
- Human resources, including salaries and benefits
- Professional services, communications, translation, audit and legal fees
- Travel, hospitality, venues and conference costs directly tied to the project
- Materials, supplies, printing, equipment and vehicle costs
- Contractors, land securement costs, and limited overhead
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Standalone monitoring or data collection projects
- Stream clean-ups, conferences, workshops, meetings, and similar single-issue actions
- Ocean-based and fish-based ecosystem projects
- Infrastructure projects
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian portion of the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed
- Quebec
- New Brunswick
Selection criteria
- Strong alignment with program priorities
- Partnerships and collaboration with other organizations
- Scientific and technical soundness
- Indigenous-led efforts and Indigenous Knowledge
- Use of existing research and knowledge and sharing of results
How to apply
- Step 1: Register in GCEMS
- Create a GCEMS account.
- Review the Applicant Guide in the system.
- Step 2: Prepare the proposal
- Complete the project proposal in GCEMS.
- Complete the budget in GCEMS before the deadline.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the proposal through GCEMS by the call deadline.
- Late submissions are not considered.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications undergo a three-stage review: administrative, technical, and committee review.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the decision.
- Approved projects must negotiate a Contribution Agreement before funding is confirmed.
- Payments are made only after required reports are submitted, reviewed, and approved.
- A final report is required before final payment is released.
Additional information
- Unsuccessful projects may be resubmitted in a future call for applications.
- Applicants must report on relevant performance indicators throughout the project.
- All applicants are notified in writing after the departmental decision.
- A Contribution Agreement must be negotiated before funding is confirmed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Program
What is the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?
This program provides up to $200,000 per project to support freshwater protection in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed. It funds projects focused on nutrient reduction, science and knowledge, and Indigenous-led water quality initiatives.
How much funding can be received?
Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program, you must:
Canadian-based organization
Project in Quebec or New Brunswick watershed area
Must address one program priority
What expenses are eligible under Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?
Nutrient reduction actions and demonstrations
Research, monitoring, modeling, and knowledge-sharing on water quality issues
Indigenous-led water quality capacity building and engagement
Collaboration and partnerships to address watershed water quality
Who can I contact for more information about the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at WOLASTOQSaintJohn-WOLASTOQsaintJean@cwa-aec.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative available?
The Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program is available the province of New Brunswick, Quebec.
Is the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is a Partnering and Collaboration