Released on June 5, 2009
Canada and Saskatchewan invest $125 million in 57 projects across the Province
Communities across Saskatchewan will benefit from a federal-provincial partnership to support infrastructure projects and initiatives across the province that will help stimulate the economy and create jobs. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, along with the M.P. for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Kelly Block on behalf of John Baird, Canada's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure today announced funding for infrastructure initiatives under the new Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund and the second intake of the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund.
"We've made investing in infrastructure a top priority because it builds economies and creates jobs for Saskatchewan people," Wall said.
"Our Government is making smart investments that will improve Saskatchewan's infrastructure, inject additional capital into our economy, and keep people working during these tough economic times," said M.P. Block. "This infrastructure will improve our quality of life, as well as help to boost our regional economy now and for years to come."
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan today announced new funding of more than $125 million for community and provincial infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan. This brings the total announced in the last week to more than $422 million contributed toward 121 projects by federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.
Today's announcement includes 15 local road and four wastewater infrastructure projects that will benefit from the new federal $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Together, these 19 projects will receive joint federal-provincial funding of more than $19.4 million. The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year's and next year's construction seasons.
Also, 25 communities of fewer than 100,000 residents will receive $54 million under the Communities Component second round of intake. The projects in these communities are predominantly about water and wastewater infrastructure. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing two-thirds of the total eligible costs of these projects, while Saskatchewan communities are contributing the remainder of the funds.
Finally, under the separate Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, the federal and provincial governments will also provide $51.8 million in joint funding for 13 initiatives across Saskatchewan. Among other things, these initiatives include local road improvements, municipal drinking water and wastewater system upgrades and installation of wind turbines for renewable energy generation. The $2.275 billion federal Provincial-Territorial Base Fund was established to provide each province and territory with predictable funding of $25 million per year, over seven years, for a total of $175 million per jurisdiction by 2014. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is accelerating the transfer of these funds and is prepared to provide to each province and territory any remaining funding up to the full $175 million over the next two years, subject to matching contributions.
Canada and Saskatchewan are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Ian Hanna
Executive Council
Regina
Email: ian.hanna@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-3177
Chris Hilton
Office of Canada's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure
Ottawa
Phone: 613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
Phone: 613-948-1148