Le Nichoir de Hudson, whose mission is to preserve the natural heritage of wild birds for future generations, received a grant of up to $117,000 last month to set up an oil spill response system.

Steven Guilbault, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, and Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, made the announcement in the company of Susan Wylie, Director of Operations, and Jo-Annie Gagnon, Bird Care Coordinator for the organization.

Jo-Annie Gagnon explained that “this sum will enable us to work on the environment and research, as spill incidents like this happen regularly in Quebec”.

Mr. Shiefke said he was “delighted to have worked to secure funding for this project” and looked forward to seeing it come to fruition in our region.

Le Nichoir will work in collaboration with International Bird Rescue (IBR), a recognized California organization, to create a network of 40 professionals in Quebec trained to safely treat contaminated birds.

The Nichoir organization's director, along with her team, will plan and deliver three training sessions; and oversee the construction of an aquatic aviary, which will serve as a long-term rehabilitation site for waterfowl.