Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 15, 2011 – Halifax’s new convention centre moved another step closer to reality as the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, announced today that the federal government is joining the governments of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality to fund numerous infrastructure projects in the province, including the construction of a convention centre in downtown Halifax.
Minister MacKay was before the Halifax Chamber of Commerce today to announce a federal contribution of almost $73 million in support of 18 initiatives.
The new multi-level 306,500 square foot Halifax Convention Centre will be a state-of-the-art, environmentally sound facility, which will include a column free ballroom, multi-purpose spaces and meeting spaces. It will serve as an economic catalyst for Nova Scotia and promote the region as a premier destination.
“Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure priorities that enable communities to continue to grow and prosper,” said Minister MacKay. “These infrastructure initiatives are important for Nova Scotia’s residents and businesses, and bring benefits for years to come. A new Halifax Convention Centre allows for important opportunities for economic growth that benefits our entire province.”
The federal funding announced today comes from the Government of Canada’s Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. Nova Scotia’s 2010-2011 Capital Plan under this fund includes construction of the Halifax Convention Centre, upgrades to the water and wastewater systems, as well as pavement and bridge rehabilitation and reconstruction in several counties in Nova Scotia.
Canada and Nova Scotia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that will help communities improve their infrastructure.
Under the Canada-Nova Scotia Provincial-Territorial Base Funding agreement, which is part of the Building Canada plan, Nova Scotia will receive a total of $175 million between 2007 and 2014 from the Government of Canada for core infrastructure priorities.
For more information, please visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 or
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
