SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Mar 16, 2011 -- The Government of Canada today announced funding in support of geomatics, a leading-edge industry that includes surveying, mapping, satellite and remote sensing and navigation. Geomatics technologies enable applications that are important in the daily lives of Canadians in such areas as natural resource management, infrastructure, defence, security and public safety, emergency management, transportation and public health.

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, made the announcement today at the University of Sherbrooke's Department of Applied Geomatics.

The Government of Canada will provide funding of $30 million over five years - almost tripling the original two-year allocation of $11 million - for Natural Resources Canada's GeoConnections program.

"In the long term, GeoConnections will ensure that Canadians benefit from this dynamic new web infrastructure designed for the 21st century," said Minister Paradis. "The program will ensure Canada maintains its international leadership in the digital economy as it applies to geomatics. Continued federal leadership will advance government priorities, support federal responsibilities, and foster economic development."

GeoConnections products are available through GeoConnections at www.GeoConnections.org or via NRCan at www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Government of Canada today announced $30 million in funding over five years, for Natural Resources Canada's GeoConnections program, which consolidates internet-based geospatial data and facilitates the use of geo-based tools in decision making.

The following media backgrounder is available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media:

Renewal of GeoConnections (2010-2015)

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.

Contacts:
Media may contact:
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
Office of the Minister
Richard Walker - Director of Communications
613-996-2007

Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
Media Relations
613-992-4447

The general public may contact:
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
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