$1 Billion Green Infrastructure Fund Launch

May 29, 2009

Speaking Notes – MP Jean
Whitehorse, Yukon
May 29, 2009

Premier Fentie;
Senator Lang;
Honoured guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Bonjour à tous!

Thank you for being here today for this important announcement.

I would like to acknowledge both the Ta’an Kwachan Council and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation as we come together on their traditional territories.

During these challenging economic times, the Government of Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is working with provinces, territories and communities to build the infrastructure Canada needs for a strong, sustainable and economically competitive future.

That is why we announced close to $12 billion in new infrastructure funding in our Economic Action Plan. This includes $6.4 billion over two years for provincial-territorial and municipal infrastructure.

This Economic Action Plan stimulus funding is helping kick-start the project we’re here today to announce.

Today, I’m pleased to launch the new $1-billion Green Infrastructure Fund. This fund is part of our Government’s plan to create jobs and boost the economy through infrastructure investments, while also promoting long-term growth and improving the environment.

These targeted investments in green infrastructure will improve the quality of the environment and will lead to a more sustainable economy over the longer term.

Funding from the Green Infrastructure Fund will support projects including energy transmission and wastewater treatment – projects that promote cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner water.

On this note, I’m very happy to announce that the Government of Canada has approved the enhancement of existing hydro power infrastructure at the Mayo hydro facility, and Phase 2 of the Carmacks-Stewart transmission line in the Yukon for funding under the new Green Infrastructure Fund.

The Government of Canada has approved up to $71 million for this project.

This important project will have significant environmental benefits for the region. It will decrease reliance on future diesel generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the territory.

Forecasts indicate that without this project, 20 million dollars worth of diesel will be needed annually by 2012 to meet projected demand, releasing 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

It is expected that the project will reduce forecast diesel generation in 2012 by over 40%.  In turn, this will reduce green house gases from energy production by 50% from current levels.

This investment also supports the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy that is focused on strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting economic and social development as well as improving and devolving governance.

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of last month’s big infrastructure announcement here by my colleague, Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq, who is in Ottawa today and unfortunately could not join us.

If you’ll recall, Minister Aglukkaq announced a series of water treatment upgrades and improvements – all receiving funding from our Government’s seven-year $183 million dollar investment in Yukon infrastructure.

And so, for us to be back here again so soon, making yet another big investment in Yukon infrastructure just shows our Government’s ongoing commitment to Yukoners.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Canada’s North has the ear of Canada’s Conservative Government. Through our Northern representatives, including the Yukon’s Senator Daniel Lang and Minister Leona Aglukkaq, and Minister Chuck Strahl--the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, who personally advocated the merits of this project to both myself and Minister Baird—the North has a strong voice at the Government table that is clearly being heard.
 
Together our team will continue to work towards getting projects, such as the Mayo hydro and transmission line, started now to help provide economic opportunities for Yukoners; supporting environmentally sound infrastructure growth for the future.

Thank you.
Merci~