Released on September 24, 2009
Projects will create jobs and stimulate the economy
The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan announced today that communities across the province will benefit from a federal-provincial investment in infrastructure projects that will help stimulate the economy and create jobs. Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, along with Saskatchewan's Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter, today announced funding for 43 shovel-ready infrastructure projects under the new Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"The Government of Canada is making smart investments in these tough economic times," said Ritz, who also serves as Regional Minister of Saskatchewan. "This significant investment will improve infrastructure in Saskatchewan and have a real and lasting impact by creating local jobs as well as building safer roads and bridges for our Saskatchewan communities."
"This announcement today again shows the Saskatchewan Government's commitment to building on the economic momentum we have achieved in the last several months," Reiter said. "The projects announced are solid examples that illustrate how three levels of government are standing together to keep our economy strong and steady."
The Government of Canada's two-year, $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supports provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this and next year's construction seasons. A total of 43 projects will receive a joint federal-provincial investment of close to $23.2 million ($12.6 million federal, $10.6 million provincial) under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Projects being funded include improvements to local roads and water and wastewater initiatives in many communities across the province.
For provincial assets, the federal and provincial governments will each contribute up to fifty per cent of eligible costs. For municipal projects, the federal government will contribute up to one-third of eligible costs, with municipalities and the provincial government contributing the remaining portion.
Under its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is allocating $12 billion to infrastructure projects across the country. This is further complemented by an earlier commitment of $33 billion to infrastructure.
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.
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Chris Hilton
Office of Canada's Minister of State for Transport
Ottawa
Phone: 613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
Phone: 613-948-1148