Released on August 6, 1997
Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Ron J. Duhamel,Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification and minister
responsible for implementation of the infrastructure program in
Western Canada, and Saskatchewan Municipal Government Minister Carol
Teichrob today announced that the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure
Works Program has approved funding for 382 municipal projects in
Saskatchewan.
Minister Goodale said: "I'm delighted to see Saskatchewan
municipalities taking advantage of funding under Phase Two of the
infrastructure program to continue to improve their basic
infrastructure. These types of upgrades allow communities to remain
competitive in conducting their day-to-day business and in attracting
more economic development opportunities. At the same time, residents
benefit from increased employment opportunities and enhanced quality
of life."
"These projects demonstrate the commitment of the provincial
government to build for the future by investing in people, for
prosperity and jobs," Teichrob said. "Infrastructure investments have
brought improved services to the people of Saskatchewan and many of
our communities have benefitted from the dollars the program has
injected into the provincial economy."
"By investing in these basic infrastructure projects, the federal
government is demonstrating its continuing commitment to developing a
climate for economic growth and job creation," said Secretary of State
Duhamel. "These projects demonstrate what can be achieved when the
three levels of government work together to benefit our residents and
communities."
The projects have a total value of $27.54 million and will be funded
by the three levels of government - federal, provincial and municipal.
They include improvements to grid roads, bridges, sidewalks, sewage
lagoons, pumping stations and water reservoirs.
The infrastructure projects are expected to create about 460 jobs in
Saskatchewan during the planning and construction phases. In support
of this program, the province allocated its share of more than $11
million in the 1997/98 budget.
The original Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Program signed
in January 1994 is estimated to have created more than 5,200 short-term jobs while at the same time making essential improvements to
infrastructure throughout the province. Phase Two of the program
provides for $34 million in additional new investments in Saskatchewan
infrastructure.
Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the February
1997 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
This announcement is an example of how the federal government is
prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by
making efficient use of their tax dollars, Goodale said.
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For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak Russ Krwulak
Western Economic Diversification Sask. Infrastructure Works
Saskatoon Regina
Phone: (306)975-5942 Phone: (306)787-8887
Toll Free: 1-888-338-9378
Maureen Boyle
WD World Wide Web site: Sask. Municipal Government
English - http://www.wd.gc.ca Regina
French - http://www.deo.gc.ca Phone: (306)787-5959