Governments of Canada and Alberta Create Jobs, Stimulate the Economy

Ponoka, Alberta--Residents in the Pigeon Lake area will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding to upgrade the Pigeon Lake Provincial Park Sewage System announced today by Blaine Calkins, MP and Diana McQueen, MLA.

This project will enhance local facilities and services and create local jobs, at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest.  The governments of Canada and Alberta will each invest up to $ 518,500 in the project.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is working to improve the quality of the environment and to promote long-term economic growth.  This project will help preserve this important recreational lake for the enjoyment of Albertans today and for years to come,” said Blaine Calkins, MP for Wetaskiwin. “Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to help Alberta communities and the economy thrive immediately and in the future.

Diana McQueen, MLA for Drayton Valley – Calmar and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Environment was thrilled with the funding announcement. “I am pleased to see the Federal and Provincial Government working together to provide funding to upgrade the Pigeon Lake Provincial Park Sewage System. This project is an important step forward in protecting the natural beauty and environmental sustainability of Pigeon Lake, and to ensure the residents of this area and indeed all those who come to visit Pigeon Lake, will be able to enjoy this gem for generations to come.”

This project is one of 29 provincial park and recreation area projects and highway projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of nearly $42.4 million.

Together with municipal and other contributions, the total investment in infrastructure improvements in Alberta through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund exceeds $1 billion. The governments of Canada and Alberta have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects in Alberta communities in the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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This news release is available online at www.blainecalkinsmp.com