The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), yesterday announced that the Government has allocated funding of $60 million in Budget 2005 for a second, five-year phase of GeoConnections, a national partnership initiative led by NRCan to make Canada's geospatial databases, applications and services readily accessible on- line.

GeoConnections supports the day-to-day application of geomatics - the science and technology of collecting, managing and using geospatial information. This information about the geography, people, environment and natural resources of a country promotes sound decision making in economic, environmental and social priorities.

"GeoConnections contributes to our high quality of life by helping us understand the world around us through geomatics," said Minister Efford during a forum organized by the Geomatics Industry Association of Canada. "The Government of Canada will continue to invest in GeoConnections so that Canadians can make better decisions on issues that are important to them - public health, public safety, the environment and sustainable development, and the well-being of Aboriginal communities."

The initial GeoConnections program was established in 1999 to provide Canadians with access to consolidated location-based information through the Internet. The internationally recognized partnership program focused on developing the policies, standards, technologies and partnerships needed to build the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). It also advanced Canada as a world leader in developing, delivering and using on-line geospatial information.

The second phase of GeoConnections will improve how Canadians can use and benefit from the CGDI, particularly in the fields of public health and safety, sustainable development and the environment. It will also focus on using the CGDI to address issues of importance to Aboriginal communities.

The renewed commitment to GeoConnections enhances the quality of life of Canadians by supporting knowledge, innovation and technology in the natural resources sectors, which are vital to Canada's economy and society. It also supports the Government of Canada's agenda of strong social foundations, a strong economy for the 21st century, and ensuring our role in the world.

Further information on GeoConnections is available at www.geoconnections.org .