News Release
Blackwater Gold Project – Federal Funding Available

OTTAWA, February 20, 2013 –The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $71,400 to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment of the Blackwater Gold Project located in British Columbia.

Funding will be provided to eligible individuals and groups to enable their participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment such as consultation related to the Environmental Impact Statement and consultation on the draft Environmental Assessment Report.

To apply for funding or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80017) or contact the Participant Funding Program at PFP.PAFP@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

Applications received by March 22, 2013 will be considered. Funding recipients will be announced at a later date.

New Gold Inc. is proposing the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an open pit gold and silver mine located approximately 100 kilometres south of Vanderhoof, British Columbia. As proposed, the project would produce 60,000 tonnes per day of gold and silver ore, over a mine life of 17 years.

As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

This project is being assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up and increased fines.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

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For more information, media may contact:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278