Harrington, Prince Edward Island, September 7, 2010 - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to important upgrades to the Crops and Livestock Research Centre (CLRC) in Harrington, PEI.
"Not only will this investment continue to stimulate economic activity and create jobs for Islanders now, when they are needed most," said Minister Shea, "but it will also support the important innovative agricultural research being done here well into the future."
The Government of Canada is investing in new greenhouse facilities to help create jobs and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture on Prince Edward Island. Upgrades to federal laboratories are a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan and the investments will improve research capabilities for the agriculture sector.
"Our Government is committed to supporting opportunities for economic growth in all parts of Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "This new facility will create jobs in the construction and agricultural fields and help stimulate the local economy."
The Government of Canada is pleased that this investment will not only have a positive impact on the economy of Prince Edward Island, but it will also support the important innovative agricultural research being done at this facility. The new Crops and Livestock Research Centre will be used for advanced breeding work, pest-management techniques, and research and development of new crops with improved health benefits for functional food markets.
Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has implemented an accelerated program to invest a total of $12 billion in improvements to federal infrastructure across Canada by 2011, including $250 million for upgrades to federal laboratories.
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For more information, contact:
Rebecca Thompson
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
819-997-5421
Email: Rebecca.Thompson@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
