April 12, 2013
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for Winnipeg Harvest under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
""Our Government is pleased to support communities by investing in local facilities, such as repairs to the Winnipeg Harvest roof,"" said Minister Toews. ""Our investments in community infrastructure are supporting job creation and economic growth while contributing to the long-term prosperity.""
The Harper Government's investment of $104,050 builds on a previous federal infrastructure investment towards the Winnipeg Harvest facility. The investment will allow the roof of the original building, which houses the food bank and warehouse, to be replaced. The funding will help prevent further deterioration of the building and ensure on-going structural integrity so that Winnipeg Harvest can continue to serve the community.
"We appreciate the Government of Canada's support, through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, which together with an equal amount from internal fundraising efforts, will play a large part in securing a much needed roof repair,"" said Jody Hecht, Chair/President of the Board at Winnipeg Harvest. ""Regrettably, with an ever increasing demand on our services from hungry Manitobans, half of whom are children, we have had to expand the services we provide. While expansion is not a desired outcome, it will allow us to further enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives to bring us closer to our goal of reducing the need for food bank use by half by 2020."
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
