PM highlights budget initiative to improve arenas and create jobs

Thank you Tilly, for that kind introduction.  It is wonderful to have you as part of our caucus advancing Miramichi’s and all of New Brunswick’s interests in Ottawa.

Greetings to Minister Ashfield and thank you for all your hard work helping to grow and develop the region as Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities agency.  Greetings also to Senators Mockler and Wallace; I’m pleased you were able to join us today. To Your Worship, Mayor Cormier, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Today, the world is struggling with the worst economic recession we’ve seen in many generations.  It is now affecting every part of the planet.  International financial markets are unstable, commodity prices have slumped, low interest rates have not yet stimulated new investment, and jobs losses are mounting.

Extraordinary times such as these call for extraordinary measures. 

This week, on Tuesday, we passed arguably one of the most important budgets in Canadian history.  The Economic Action Plan is our multi-year blueprint to guide us through this difficult period and ensure we emerge stronger than ever. 

It will do five things.  First, it protects Canadians hit hardest by extending EI benefits and job-training.  Second, it provides support to hard-hit communities by making strategic investments in core industries to keep Canadians working.  Third, it will help stimulate Canada’s economy by reducing taxes to encourage consumer spending, including significant tax credits for first-time homebuyers and home renovations.  Fourth, it will enhance access to financing for consumers and businesses.  And, finally, it will put Canadians to work building better roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure.

Which brings us to the reason we are here today:  I want to highlight one of the large, important initiatives in the Economic Action Plan:  a new fund to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities from coast to coast to coast.

Hockey arenas and other facilities like this one are vital social and athletic hubs of our communities.  They bring us together as families, friends and neighbours to get fit and have fun.  But many of them were built over four decades ago as part of a special national program to help mark Canada’s Centennial year.  And like some of us, they’re showing signs of age.  Not you, Tilly!

Just as it did in 1967, the Government of Canada will partner with provinces, municipalities, communities and the private sector to get to work on the most pressing, worthwhile and hammer-ready proposals.  As well as revitalizing these precious community assets,
this investment will create jobs all across Canada, at a time when those jobs are most needed;

Ladies and gentlemen, this program is not just about improving arenas, it is about where we are headed as a country.  As the world struggles with the effects of the global recession, we as Canadians are looking ahead.

In the weeks to come, our Government will be announcing more construction projects under our Economic Action Plan all designed to create jobs and boost economic activity in communities across the country. 

By looking forward today, and revitalizing our community facilities,
our Government is seizing the opportunities, that will help get us through tough times, and ensure Canada emerges stronger than ever.

Thank you.

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