CANADA AND MANITOBA INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE
projects will create jobs, boost local economies

Brandon, May 22, 2009 — Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris was pleased to hear an additional round of infrastructure funding has been committed.  The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and MP for Provencher and Premier Gary Doer announced joint funding of over $160 million for infrastructure projects under the new stimulus funding provided for under Canada's Economic Action Plan. 

In the Constituency of Brandon-Souris, 18.2 million of federal funding has been allocated for important resurfacing of Trans-Canada Highway 1 and 1A.

 “Whether going east or west, the Trans Canada serves as a critical artery for our constituency,” said Tweed.  “It is important we keep our national highway updated and safe.  This announcement will also provide significant job opportunities and economic stimulus to the region.”

“Today’s announcement provides much needed investment in Manitoba roads, highways, and parks,” said Premier Gary Doer.  “We continue to invest in our future by building our province through improved highway infrastructure, recreational facilities, and water and wastewater treatment facilities, which stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is getting shovels in the ground and flowing money faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs for Manitobans,” said Minister Toews. “These investments will help ensure that Manitoba’s communities continue to be successful and strong during these challenging economic times.”

The new federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year and next year’s construction seasons. These infrastructure projects in Manitoba will receive a joint federal investment of almost $80 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Today’s announcement continues the important steps the province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure in order to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province’s roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.

The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. The Province of Manitoba is working closely with the federal government to ensure that these infrastructure funds are being spent well on priorities in the province’s communities.

For further information, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.