Government of Canada Invests in North Battleford Theatre

Infrastructure investments to create jobs and get the economy moving

North Battleford, Saskatchewan, May 2, 2009 - The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are partnering to deliver $14 million for a North Battleford performance theatre that will be part of a new multiplex facility. Federal Agriculture Minister and MP for Battleford-Lloydminster, Gerry Ritz, and Minister of Municipal Affairs for Saskatchewan, Bill Hutchinson, today announced the funding for North Battleford and the signing of the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund Agreement are part of our ongoing commitment to inject economic stimulus into our economy, support job creation, and provide for safer and healthier communities.

“The Government is making smart investments in key infrastructure initiatives such as roads, water lines and theatre projects like the one here in North Battleford,” said Minister Ritz. “This theatre will be a great place for families throughout the area to get together and strengthen our communities.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that multi-purpose facilities are at the heart of every community in our great province,” said Minister Hutchinson. “This theatre will be a great addition to North Battleford. It will provide job opportunities and community engagement and activity - that contributes to a higher quality of life for Saskatchewan people.”

Canada’s contribution to the performance theatre will be sourced from the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. Under this agreement, Saskatchewan will receive a total of $175 million to support core infrastructure priorities. To date, the Government of Canada has committed $50 million in federal funding for initiatives throughout the province.

To expedite infrastructure investments, Canada’s Economic Action Plan is accelerating payments under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. For the next two years, up to $1 billion in additional federal funding will be available for infrastructure initiatives. This funding is cost-shared with the provinces and territories to maximize investment by all levels of government in the Government of Canada’s $12 billion commitment to infrastructure in the Action Plan. This is further complemented by an earlier commitment of $33 billion to infrastructure.

These investments are part of the Government of Canada’s and Province of Saskatchewan’s commitment to help stimulate the economy, maintain stability and keep the people of Saskatchewan working during the economic downturn. Saskatchewan will receive $755.2 million between 2007 and 2014.

For information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.

For further information contact:

Chris Hilton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613 991-0700

Jeff Welke
Executive Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
P: 306 787-6156
C: 306 536-1185

Infrastructure Canada
613 948-1148