Canadian families and communities will benefit from improved recreational infrastructure under a new program being launched today across the country. Canada's Economic Action Plan created the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program to upgrade or rehabilitate existing recreational facilities, in cooperation with provinces and territories.
"Canada's Economic Action Plan is a comprehensive approach to stimulate the economy, put people to work and improve our quality of life," said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. "Our Government recognizes the need within so many Canadian communities to provide better recreational facilities. By investing in them now, we create much-needed economic activity; we give a boost to tradespeople and those who produce and sell building materials; and we improve the quality of life for families all across Canada."
Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities. Under the program, the federal government will typically fund up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding will be leveraged from other project stakeholders such as provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program will not exceed $1 million.
"Our Government committed to getting stimulus into the economy quickly, when Canadian families and businesses need it most," said Minister Flaherty. "That's exactly what we're doing with RInC."
Municipalities, First Nations governments, counties, community organizations and other not-for-profit entities that have eligible projects that can be completed before March 31, 2011, are invited to submit their proposals.
For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
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For further information, media may contact:
Chisholm Pothier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
