Thank you, Mike (Voison; Emcee); Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen - good morning.

It is a pleasure to be here today on behalf of my colleague, Minister of State Lynne Yelich, from Western Economic Diversification, PM Harper, and the Government of Canada.

All of us here today are well aware of how the recent global recession has affected our families, our day to day lives, our cities and villages , and our businesses. 
Communities across Western Canada have been hard-hit by the current economic slowdown; Many jobs have been lost, and many strong industries have faltered.
Back in January of this year, the Economic Action Plan was designed by our government to help Canadians to weather the global economic slowdown in the short term, and to build economic prosperity for our future.

One of the new programs included in our plan was the Community Adjustment Fund, or CAF

The CAF is a $1 billion two-year economic stimulus fund designed to create jobs and maintain employment in communities that have been hardest hit by the global recession.

The fund was envisioned to specifically support affected communities right here in Western Canada, such the Village of Boyle, that have historically relied on resource-based industries – forestry, mining, energy, agriculture and others.

Today, I am very pleased to be here to announce that more of this money is coming back to Northern Alberta…..
Our Government has just announced that it will invest more than $3.5 million under the CAF into a new local Forest Remediation Project, led by Alberta-Pacific

Forest Industries
This Funding will go to support an important forest health initiative, which will involve the mapping and cleaning of 1,600 hectares of forest pine stands that have been infected with dwarf mistletoe.

As we know, this parasite is not only a threat to our forests itself, but leaves stands more susceptible to Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.
With this project, Al-Pac is taking great steps towards eradicating the dwarf mistletoe parasite in this region, and therefore enhancing the healthy growth of our forests.

This project will undoubtedly make an important contribution to ensuring the success of our local forestry industry, but I am pleased to note that it will also bring numerous new jobs to the people Boyle and surrounding communities, at a time when they are most needed.

I believe that Al-Pac can be considered a great innovator in the Canadian forestry industry today, and I know all of us here today are pleased that it has played an integral role in the success and growth of Boyle community for over 18 years!

I myself am also proud that our Government has chosen to partner with and support this exciting company through the CAF; and to assist them in bringing more opportunities to many communities across our region.

And speaking of investing in communities, I am especially pleased to be here today to announce that just last week the Government of Canada made another important investment right here in the community of Boyle; An investment of $347,000 into upgrades to the well-used Boyle Arena.

This project will allow the Village to make important upgrades and enhancements like replacing the zamboni and ice room and constructing a steam pit for recycling snow.

The Arena Project will be funded through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, which over a two-year period will invest $500 million to improve recreational infrastructure in communities across the country, including over $2.5 Million in Northern Alberta. 

As you know, our Government is dedicated to providing safe, modern and efficient infrastructure that contributes to sustainable economic growth.
 Recreational facilities – such as local playgrounds, hockey rinks, gyms, and tennis courts and sports fields – are at the heart of Canadian communities … They offer safe places where families, friends and neighbors can gather together to get fit and have fun.

The Arena in Boyle has provided a facility for safe and healthy family recreation and fun for many years, and the Government of Canada is grateful for its continuing mission to be a key part of the great quality of life in this community.

Much of Northern Alberta has been hard hit by the economic downturn, but working with local partners is one of the most important ways that we will rebuild, and further innovate and strengthen this critical industry.

I am confident today that by developing and promoting projects like the Dwarf Mistletoe Remediation Project, and the Boyle Arena Upgrades, that together we are taking real steps to create jobs and ensure that our communities remain strong, resilient and successful for many years to come.   

Thank you.