Clement says budget is good news for Northern Ontario

File photo

Minister of Industry and FedNor, Tony Clement
News Release

*************************

OTTAWA - On Tuesday, in the Government’s federal Budget – Canada’s Economic Action Plan – FedNor got a boost to help continue to support the growth and prosperity of communities and small businesses in Northern Ontario.

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, says the Government has demonstrated its commitment to Northerners by strengthening FedNor’s mandate of regional economic development in Northern Ontario.

“Like all Canadians, Northerners are concerned about how the global economic crisis is affecting their jobs, their savings and their communities,” said Minister Clement. “FedNor’s enhanced budget, including the portion of the Community Adjustment Fund to Northern communities, will have an immediate impact on the lives of Northern residents. By taking action to stimulate the economy, we are going to create jobs, and help those hardest hit by the recession to get back on their feet."

Highlights of Budget 2009 that will provide direct support to Northern Ontario communities include:
•$1 billion for a new Community Adjustment Fund distributed through the regional economic development agencies and FedNor;

•$4 billion to establish a new, two-year, Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to support rehabilitation projects, including those related to municipal infrastructure. This Fund will be structured to flow funding and get shovels in the ground quickly;

•Targeted twinning improvements to a number of segments of Highways 11 and 17 in Northern Ontario;

•$500 million over two years for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada initiative to support construction of new community recreational facilities and upgrades to existing facilities across Canada, including hockey arenas, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pools;

•$225 million over three years to develop and implement a strategy on extending broadband coverage to unserved communities;

•$170M to help the forestry industry develop new products, use new technology, and promote Canadian forest products to customers around the world;

•Up to $500 million over the next two years in new funding to the Communities Component of the Building Canada fund to cost-share additional timely and targeted infrastructure projects; and

•$515 million over the next two years for “ready-to-go” First Nations community infrastructure projects. This investment will focus on three priority areas: schools, water and critical community services.

In Monday’s Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada assured Canadians that our economic stimulus plan will be a plan of action.

“Our Government has positioned FedNor well to implement our economic action plan that will strengthen Northern communities, while making investments to promote long term growth,” added Minister Clement. “We are going to help protect the jobs of today, and we’re going to help our economy create the jobs of tomorrow.”

By supporting people, business and communities through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/fednor

*************************