Today federal, provincial and local governments joined forces to build Manitoba communities and create jobs by providing funding for projects worth close to $250 million to boost local infrastructure under the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component.  This announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of Treasury Board, and Premier Gary Doer.

"Today’s announcement provides rural and northern communities an economic boost by stimulating their local economies," said Premier Doer. "The benefit communities will see from this program will be noticed today, tomorrow and for many years to come as we work to build recreational opportunities while strengthening water and wastewater treatment facilities across our province."

"In these tough economic times, the Government of Canada is delivering results and putting infrastructure investments on the fast track to address the needs of Manitoba communities and helping to create jobs for Manitobans," said Minister Toews.  "Our Government’s investment in these projects is another excellent example of what we are doing to boost the economies of rural communities and helping to improve the quality of life of everyone."

The projects announced today will improve local roads, water and wastewater infrastructure.  A project highlight from today’s announcement is the City of Selkirk Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation.  Completion of this $9.7 million project will allow the community to provide a regional potable water supply to city residents, rural households and outlying communities.

The federal and provincial governments are providing up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs, $58 million each, with local governments covering the remainder of project funding.

Beyond today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced in Budget 2009, is a balanced stimulus plan that includes massive investments in infrastructure, tax relief and transfers. This plan will provide close to $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding to help create jobs and boost the economy over the next two years.  The province of Manitoba is 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.

Communities can visit the Canada-Manitoba Building Canada Fund – Communities Component website for more information at http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca/en/bcf.html.  

For additional information, contact:

Chris Day
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: (613) 991-0700

Jonathan Hildebrand
Manitoba Cabinet Communications
Winnipeg, MB
Tel: (204) 204 945-1494