Government of Canada Invests in Enhancements to Recreational Facilities in More Northern Alberta Communities

November 26, 2009

Fort McMurray – Athabasca, November 26, 2009 – Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray - Athabasca, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in two local communities. Funding for this investment is being provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Our Government’s investment in the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is creating jobs where they are needed now, while encouraging greater participation in physical education, and the use of recreational facilities and trails,” said MP Jean, “Investing in Sucker Creek First Nation and the Summer Village of Mewatha will help to stimulate these local economies, enhance the services and opportunities available to local families, and contribute to the health and quality of life of Canadians.”

An investment of $82,900 in federal funding through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will allow Sucker Creek First Nation to complete a major enhancement of the Sucker Creek Recreation Centre, while $12,333 in federal RInC funding will go to the Summer Village of Mewatha Beach for the redesign and refurbishment of walking trails.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. A total of almost $163 million in RinC funding will be invested across the four western provinces.

RInC is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada’s multi-faceted stimulus plan that will ensure a quick recovery from the current economic downturn. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the initiative in the four western provinces.

For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

For additional information regarding this news release, please contact MP Brian Jean at
613-992-1154.