WHITEHORSE, YUKON (July 18, 2006) - The Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon have approved more than $4.7 million towards $7.2 million in Yukon community water and sewer infrastructure projects under the Canada-Yukon Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Selkirk First Nation, Watson Lake, the Liard First Nation, the Town of Faro and the City of Whitehorse will receive a total of $4,778,645 for community-based water, sewer and road projects. The total value of these projects, including other sources of funding, is $7,276,769.
"All Canadians must have access to clean, safe and affordable drinking water," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "The need for clean drinking water in the North is important. The MRIF program shows that we can work cooperatively so that all Canadians are provided with equal access to vital road and water public infrastructure to support long-term economic growth."
"These community infrastructure projects will be positive additions to enhancing community health," said the Honourable Glenn Hart, Minister of Community Services, for the Yukon Government. "Clean drinking water and up-to-date sewage systems are vital to the health of Yukon communities and ensuring environmental safety. The MRIF program helps us achieve these important goals."
Over the five years of the MRIF agreement, the governments of Canada and Yukon will each invest $16 million under this program. Including contributions from local governments, MRIF has the potential to support up to $48 million for improvements to Yukon's public community infrastructure.
For more information visit the Government of Canada and Government of Yukon infrastructure programs.
For more information, please contact:
Line Gagnon
Senior Communications Advisor
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Yukon Region
(867) 667-3315
gagnonlz@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Doug Caldwell
Policy and Communications Analyst
Yukon Government
(867) 667-8065
doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
Yukon Government
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca
Backgrounder - Canada-Yukon Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Announcement
