The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, exposed today the investments made in 2011 to support a range of innovative and sustainable projects aimed at promoting job growth and strong local economies in Atlantic communities. The Government of Canada invested more than $50 million in Atlantic Canadian communities over the past year through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
“Our Government is helping communities in our region identify priorities that meet the needs of Canadians and that will help build a more prosperous, competitive and sustainable economy,” said Minister Valcourt. “From strengthening community infrastructure to supporting the development of key industrial sectors, to the fostering of job opportunities for Canadian workers, these projects are helping our communities overcome economic challenges and build a prosperous and self-sustaining future.”
Working with local stakeholders, the ICF program assists communities to build on their existing strengths and assets as a means to develop opportunities that support their sustained, long-term economic growth.
In 2011, the Innovative Community Fund supported a range of projects across Atlantic Canada including:
• the construction of a 15,600 sq. ft. multi-purpose community building in Shediac, New Brunswick designed to accommodate business meetings, host cultural and tourism events and support other community activities throughout the year;
• the construction of a new and permanent, year- round home for the Farmers’ Market in Truro, Nova Scotia;
• the building of a new storage facility and improvements to the marina facility serving the community of Souris, Prince Edward Island; and,
• support for the purchase of new video production equipment by Atlantic Studios Cooperative of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, which is helping local production companies reduce their costs by renting locally- sourced equipment and improving their ability to participate and compete in the industry.
“Our government’s commitment to job creation and economic growth is helping Canada weather the global economic uncertainty better than most countries,” added Minister Valcourt. “It is essential that we continue to make strategic and effective investments that generate the kind of opportunities entrepreneurs and communities need to create local jobs and support economic growth. A strong economy means a strengthened Canada that will benefit Canadian families for years to come.”
Through the Innovative Communities Fund, the Government of Canada is helping Atlantic communities build on their economic strengths, enabling them to capitalize on major projects and opportunities in the region.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt exposed today the investments of more than $50 million in Atlantic Canadian communities over the past year to support a range of innovative and sustainable projects aimed at promoting job growth and strong local economies in Atlantic communities. From strengthening community infrastructure to supporting the development of key industrial sectors, to the fostering of job opportunities for Canadian workers, these projects are helping our communities overcome economic challenges and build a prosperous and self-sustaining future, said Minister Valcourt.
-30-
INFORMATION:
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
613-790-3637
Jennifer Goostrey
Manager, Client Services
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-229-0295
