Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce, July 3, 2006 - Acting on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions, Diane Leblanc, Member of the National Assembly for Beauce-Sud and vice-présidente de l'Assemblée nationale, today joined the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, in the presence of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament for Beauce and Minister of Industry, in announcing that the Municipality of Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce will receive $852,066 in government funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
This assistance will enable Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce to replace water mains as well as storm and sanitary sewer lines in various sectors of the municipality. As such, the Côte de la Croix, Highway 108 East, Highway 271 North, Saint-Mathieu Boulevard and Couture Street will all be affected by this project aimed at providing the necessary water flow and pressure to ensure adequate fire protection in these areas. These works will not only help the region maintain its high level of industrial activity but will also benefit residents of these sectors by rectifying existing sewer backup problems.
This project will require a total investment of $1,783,679, of which $1,278,098 is considered eligible under component 3 of the MRIF. Thus, the Municipality of Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce will pay $426,242 toward the project, while the Government of Quebec and Government of Canada will each contribute $426,033, for a total of $852,066 in combined government funding. It should also be noted that, in conjunction with this project, the Ministère des Transports du Québec will invest $1,000,000 in complementary road works along highways 108 and 271, bringing the Government of Quebec's overall contribution toward the project to close to $1.5 million.
Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce Mayor Luc Lemieux expressed his delight at the positive impact this essential work will have on improving community infrastructure and enhancing local citizens' quality of life.
The Member of the National Assembly for Beauce-Sud said she was proud of the benefits this announcement will have not only on the quality of life of local residents, but also on employment at the Saint-Éphrem plant. "Changing the water mains will enable the René Matériaux composites Ltd. plant to install an automatic sprinkler system, an essential condition for renewing its insurance policy. Considering that this automotive plastic parts manufacturer provides more than 300 jobs in the region, ensuring that it is properly equipped is of critical importance. I am therefore extremely pleased that the Government of Quebec is contributing to the maintenance of this plant's operations, a key priority for this municipality," stated Diane Leblanc.
"I am delighted to announce the Government of Canada's financial contribution to the Municipality of Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce for the replacement of water mains and sewer lines. By supporting these kinds of projects, we are helping to ensure that Canadian communities, both big and small, may be positive places to work, to learn and to flourish," explained Minister Blackburn.
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a $390 million cost-sharing initiative of the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada to help finance municipal infrastructure projects in Quebec. With the financial participation of municipalities, this initiative could result in investments of nearly $576 million for infrastructure work in the province. The objectives of the MRIF are to upgrade community infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, promote long-term economic growth and enhance citizens' quality of life. The Fund focuses on three main component areas: drinking water and wastewater infrastructure; development of knowledge with respect to municipal infrastructure; and local or regional development support infrastructure.
Implementation of the MRIF in Quebec is the result of a joint agreement signed by the Government of Quebec and Government of Canada in July 2005. The program, which is in force until March 31, 2010, is administered by Quebec's Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions . Canada Economic Development is responsible for delivering the federal portion of the MRIF on behalf of the Government of Canada.
-30-
Source:
Monique Archambault
Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions
514 873-9211
Information:
Jonathan Trudeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions
418 691-2050
Roxanne Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
819 953-5646
613 816-5094
Isabelle Beaudin
Communications Advisor
Canada Economic Development
514 283-7301
href="mailto:roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca">roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Canada Economic Development is on line at www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
