Federal Government Invests in Improvements to Winnipeg's Community Infrastructure

Winnipeg, MB - Today, the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood - St. James - Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, along with Councillor Scott Fielding, on behalf of Mayor Sam Katz, announced support for St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

�Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities across Canada,� said Minister Fletcher. �By making these investments in St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians.�

The Harper Government's investment of $108,903, matched equally by the City of Winnipeg investment of $108,903, will enhance the services provided by the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool. Under the project, new sports flooring will be installed in the facility's multi-purpose room, allowing for expanded use of the space.

�New sports flooring will make this gym much more attractive and welcoming for people who use this facility as their work-out space,� said Mayor Sam Katz. �The City of Winnipeg is pleased the Government of Canada shares our commitment to upgrading recreation facilities and multi-use spaces, such as the fitness area at the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool.�

Economic Action Plan 2013 builds on our investments and announces a new Building Canada plan - the largest investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history.

• The new Building Canada plan has three main components:
  • Community Improvement Fund - $32.2 billion consisting of an indexed Gas Tax Fund and the increased GST Rebate for Municipalities to build roads, public transit, recreational facilities and other community infrastructure across Canada that will improve the quality of life of Canadian families.
  • New Building Canada Fund - $14 billion in support of major economic infrastructure projects that have a national and regional significance.
  • Renewed P3 Canada Fund - $1.25 billion to continue finding innovative ways to build infrastructure projects faster and provide better value for Canadian taxpayers through public-private partnerships.

In addition, over the next 10 years, our Government will invest $6 billion in existing infrastructure funding and $17 billion to build, operate and maintain federal public infrastructure. Overall, the new Building Canada plan includes $70 billion in federal infrastructure funding over 10 years, the largest federal investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.