Canada-Yukon Partnership to Create Jobs and Stimulate the Economy

• Backgrounder: Infrastructure Stimulus Fund
• Backgrounder: Canada-Yukon Partnership to Expand Infrastructure

Whitehorse, Yukon, May 13, 2009 – Communities across Yukon will benefit from a $7-million investment in key infrastructure projects, thanks to a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie.

“Stimulating our economy and creating jobs for Canadians is a top priority for this Government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, we are moving quickly to flow money that will improve key infrastructure, including road, bridge and highway projects in Yukon,” said Minister Strahl. “Working together with the territory, we can build the infrastructure that will allow the people of Yukon and the economy to thrive now and in the future.”

“Our Government’s investment will improve the capacity of the Yukon’s highways and roads, inject additional capital into our economy, and keep people working during these tough economic times,” said Minister Aglukkaq.

“The Government of Yukon will continue to maintain a high level of economic stimulus throughout the territory by creating employment opportunities and establishing crucial building blocks for longer term economic growth,” said Premier Fentie. “Through this investment, we are enhancing Yukon’s competitiveness and our ability to access the global market.”

“We appreciate Canada’s ongoing support and investment on infrastructure projects essential to Yukon’s prosperity,” said Archie Lang, Minister of Highways and Public Works. “These types of projects not only improve access to rural communities but also enable economic sustainability and help strengthen our sovereignty.”

The infrastructure projects include road reconstruction and upgrades, highway upgrades and bridge rehabilitation. The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $3.5 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund as part of its Economic Action Plan. The Government of Yukon is contributing $3.5 million.

The largest project under this investment will benefit the residents of Carmacks and the local mining industry with the construction of a modern two-lane bridge and sidewalk across the Nordenskjold River, replacing the current single-lane bridge. The $2.3 million Nordenskjold Bridge rehabilitation project will result in improved safety for pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic as well as an increased load capacity for the crossing that will help reduce emissions and improve the flow of traffic and goods.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan established a new $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to provide funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Funding will be available for two years for projects that will begin during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons. This initiative is structured to move funds and get shovels in the ground quickly.

Backgrounders with more information on the projects and details about the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund are attached.

For more information, please contact:

Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Tim Vail
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7949

Karla Ter Voert
Communications
Highways & Public Works
Government of Yukon
867-456-3825