Minister Fantino Announces $736,000 Investment to Improve Infrastructure at the Richmond Armoury

News Release

Funding through new federal infrastructure investments to improve facilities for Reservists in Western Canada

May 25, 2015

RICHMOND, B.C. – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, today announced an investment of $736,000 for the Colonel Sherman Armoury in Richmond, for upgrades including interior flooring and lighting improvements, skylight replacement, as well as repairs to the heating and ventilation control system, in support of the Canadian Armed Forces and to help create local jobs in the Metro Vancouver area.

Colonel Sherman Armoury, home to 39 Service Battalion, provides essential support such as transportation, supplies, and personnel to 39 Canadian Brigade Group, which is responsible for Reservists in the Greater Vancouver area. The armoury also houses the 12 Service Battalion Museum, which collects and exhibits artifacts related to the Battalion’s history.

Quick Facts

The federal infrastructure investments, announced by Prime Minister Harper in November 2014, will build and renew infrastructure across the country, creating jobs and economic prosperity for local communities.
The Department of National Defence has received $452 million for the repair and upgrade of Canadian Armed Forces facilities.
This $736,000 investment will provide updated infrastructure for the men and women of 39 Service Battalion at the Colonel Sherman Armoury in Richmond, British Columbia. The Government estimates that accelerated investments will also support the creation of over 10,000 jobs in communities across Canada, including the Metro Vancouver area, by the end of 2016.
As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring Reservists have the utmost support, Veterans Affairs Canada recently announced that Part-time Reserve Force Veterans will now have access to the same minimum Earnings Loss Benefit as full-time Reserve and Regular Force Veterans. The Earnings Loss Benefit provides eligible Veterans participating in VAC’s Rehabilitation services (or who are unable to be gainfully and suitably employed) with 75% of their pre-release military salary.

Quotes

“It is my pleasure to be here today at the Colonel Sherman Armoury in Richmond, to announce this important infrastructure project. This project is a representation of our Government’s commitment to upgrade Canadian Armed Forces facilities across the county in support of our men and women in uniform, as well as our commitment to economic prosperity and growth.”
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence