The Canadian Environment Awards were established in 2002 through a partnership between the Government of Canada and Canadian Geographic Enterprises. The national program recognized dedicated Canadians who act locally to help protect, preserve and restore Canada's environment. Founding sponsor Shell Canada's participation of the event sparked protests due to their controversial Klappan Coalbed Methane Project in northern British Columbia.[citation needed] In 2009, the award was replaced by the 3M Environmental Innovation Award.