MARKHAM - The Government of Canada has accelerated its national efforts to deliver economic stimulus as quickly as possible to resource-based industries and communities across the country. Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry highlighted investments from Canada's two-year, $40-billion Economic Action Plan, which is protecting struggling communities by providing funding for small infrastructure projects and job creation activities. Over the next two years thousands of jobs are expected to be created.
"Our Government recognizes that this is a difficult time for resource-based industries and for the workers and communities that depend on them," said Minister Clement. "That's why we are acting now to provide support for these workers and communities hardest hit by the global recession."
Across Canada, communities affected by the global economic downturn may be eligible for funding under the Action Plan's $1-billion Community Adjustment Fund, and other EAP initiatives to support resource-based industries. Applications for support are already being accepted and approved by departments and regional agencies in order to inject economic stimulus directly into the economy, immediately creating jobs.
In addition to the Community Adjustment Fund, the Harper Government has also delivered $170 million in targeted support to help expand opportunities for workers and businesses in the forest sector. This investment supports initiatives to increase the use of wood products in domestic and international non-residential construction such as new schools and shopping centres. This investment is also supporting research and development collaborations on energy and breakthrough technologies using forest biomass, nanotechnology and next generation forest products.
"Canada's forest sector and other resource-based industries have always been an important part of our economy," concluded Minister Clement. "The jobs and businesses that depend on these industries are vital to our efforts to recover from the global recession and emerge from this challenging time stronger than ever before."
For more information on Canada Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Industry Minister Tony Clement says the Government of Canada has accelerated its national efforts to deliver economic stimulus as quickly as possible to resource-based industries and communities across the country. The government's $40-billion Economic Action Plan is expected to create thousands of jobs over the next two years.
Individuals interested in learning how to apply for funding under the Community Adjustment Fund are encouraged to contact their regional development agency or federal department. For more information on the Community Adjustment Fund application process, visit:
Western Canada:
Western Economic Diversification Canada
http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/ / 1-888-338-9378
Atlantic Canada:
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca / 1-800-561-7862
Quebec:
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
www.dec-ced.gc.ca / 1-866-385-6412
Ontario:
Industry Canada
http://ic.gc.ca/caf / 1-888-670-6643
Northern Canada:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
Yukon: 1-800 661-0451
Northwest Territories: 1-866-669-2620
Nunavut: 1-867-975-4537
For further information, please contact:
Jocelyne Turner
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
or
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
or
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
The following media backgrounder is available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media:
- Canadians Benefitting from Stimulus for Resource-Based Industries in Harper Government's Economic Action Plan
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
