Saint-Philémon, October 6, 2006 - Acting on behalf of
Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Ministre des Affaires municipales et des
Régions, Dominique Vien, Member of the National Assembly for
Bellechasse and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministre de la Culture et des
Communications, today joined Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for
Lévis-Bellechasse, acting on behalf of the Honourable
Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, in announcing that the Parish of
Saint-Philémon will receive $123,778 in combined government funding under the
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to carry out work to bring its
drinking water supply infrastructure up to standard.
This project mainly involves protecting the facilities against
contamination by sealing up leaks, installing a chlorination feed and monitoring
system. This work is expected to improve drinking water quality for some
500 residents.
These improvements will require a total investment of $247,557
eligible under Component 1 of the MRIF. As such, the Government of Quebec and
Government of Canada will each contribute an amount of $61,889, for a total of
$123,778 in combined government funding, while the Parish of Saint-Philémon will
invest $123,779 in the project.
Saint-Philémon Mayor Joseph Talbot said he is delighted that this
project, considered a priority for the municipality and for the well-being of
its residents, will be carried out.
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.
Implementation of the MRIF in Quebec is the result of
a joint agreement signed by the Government of Quebec and the 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.
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Source:
Christine Poirier LabergeCommunications
AdvisorCommunications BranchMinistère des Affaires municipales et des
Régions514-873-3687
Information:
Jonathan TrudeauPress SecretaryOffice of the Ministre des Affaires
municipales et des Régions418-691-2050
Roxane MarchandPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jean-Pierre
BlackburnCanada Economic Development819-953-5646613-816-5094
Nadja RaphaëlCommunications AdvisorCanada Economic
Development 514-283-2634
