19 June 2010
ANTIGONISH , Nova Scotia
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence today celebrated the official ground breaking for the Antigonish People’s Place. Minister MacKay attended the event on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our government’s commitment through Canada’s Economic Action Plan of nearly $2 million benefits the Antigonish area by providing a local facility dedicated to supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning,” said Minister MacKay. “This initiative enhances the area’s access to literacy-based programming while providing space where people can come together to gain new skills, share ideas, and have fun.”
The federal investment supports the renovation of an existing building in downtown Antigonish to create a new library facility to serve area residents while boosting the local economy and creating jobs. The 14,000 square-foot Antigonish People’s Place features a modern public library and community meeting and programming space. “The Antigonish People’s Place is the result of the hard work and dedication of the people who came together in support of a project that will be of benefit for the whole community,” said Mary MacLellan, Board Chair, Antigonish People’s Place. “This facility will be a major contributor to the educational, social, and cultural health of our community for many years to come.” Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $1 billion over two years for the CAF program, to address the short-term economic needs of Canadian communities impacted by the global recession. This national economic stimulus initiative supports projects that create jobs and maintain employment in and around communities that have experienced significant job losses and lack alternative employment opportunities. The CAF program is delivered in the region by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Denise Arsenault
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9304 / 902-456-3066 (cell)
Email : Denise.Arsenault@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
