Montreal, Quebec, December 3, 2010 - The Government of Canada is extending the construction deadline for a number of Economic Action Plan infrastructure projects. This extension will allow projects to be completed with federal funding, further benefitting Quebec communities. Proponents of projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Building Canada Fund Communities Component Top-Up, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program will now have until October 31, 2011 to complete their projects.
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Whitby-Oshawa, along with the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Mégantic–L'Érable, was on hand today to tour the renovation project of Les Deux Mondes theater, following the announcement of the extension by Prime Minister Harper on December 2.
"This is good news for the people of Quebec. While the vast majority of these infrastructure projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2011, I know that some proponents will appreciate the extra time to put the finishing touches to their project," said Minister Flaherty.
In order to qualify for this extension, projects must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011. This is the case of the Les Deux Mondes theater, which is receiving up to $970,000 in funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The successful completion of this project will give several up-and-coming theatre companies access to production and presentation facilities. The end result will be the creation of a unique location in Montreal since the design will allow several companies to house their head office, as well as access appropriate spaces for rehearsals and the construction of backdrops, audio-visual studios and space to present shows.
"The Government of Canada is confident that this extension will allow sufficient time for important projects to be completed," added Minister Paradis. "By extending the deadline, we don't want to penalize communities that delivered their projects on time, and that is why there are important conditions to the extension."
Since July 2009, more than 420,000 jobs have been created or maintained across Canada and about 23,000 projects are underway or completed. The Government has provided $16 billion to modernize public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water, parks, transit and recreational facilities.
It is estimated that this extension will benefit selected projects across Quebec that have been adversely impacted by issues such as poor weather conditions, as well as normal delays in building infrastructure projects.
This is a one-time extension to October 31, 2011. The Government of Canada will not share in any costs after this date, and proponents will be required to complete projects at their own expense. While providing flexibility, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the stimulus program is completed in a timely fashion, and Canada returns to balanced budgets in a timely manner.
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides close to $16 billion to modernize a broad range of infrastructure including roads, bridges, public transit, parks and water treatment facilities, and to support home ownership, help stimulate the housing sector and improve housing across Canada.
For further information contact:
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
