Thank you Ralph for your introduction and for your outstanding work as MP for Regina Wascana, and as Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. It’s always great to be welcomed back to Saskatchewan. We’ve had a busy couple of days, but it’s been tremendous as always to be by your side. It’s great to be back in Regina and to be here at the Subsurface Geological Laboratory alongside Minister Goodale and DEEP’s CEO Kirsten Marcia.

I hosted a town hall at the University of Regina last night and today I had a chance to talk about the importance of water management with some local experts and community leaders. And I’m glad that this morning, as well, I get the opportunity to talk about some really exciting news for the people of this province.

In Saskatchewan when you talk about drilling, most people think of oil and rightly so, but Deep Earth Energy Production is mining another resource, geothermal power; and that’s why we’re here.

Today I’m proud to announce that the federal government is investing $25.6 million for phase two of DEEP’s geothermal plant. In effect we’re supporting DEEP as they mine natural heat to generate clean renewable energy that will help power Saskatchewan’s homes and businesses.

Once their proposed facility is done, the electricity produced will be able to power 5,000 homes, all the while taking the yearly pollution of 7400 cars out of the atmosphere and if all of that sounds cutting edge, well that’s because it is. DEEP’s plant will be Canada’s first ever geothermal power plant.

When the federal government contributed $1.5 million to test and launch this project, we knew it would be just the start of some incredible work being done right here in Saskatchewan. So let’s take a moment to recognize the fantastic team at DEEP and especially Kirsten Marcia, a clean energy trailblazer and an outstanding leader.

Today’s investment is another step forward as we do our part to make sure that Canada and this province stays at the cutting edge, because here in Regina, a city that’s growing quickly both in terms of population and economic development, you can see firsthand why it’s so important to invest in infrastructure that can keep up with Canadians.

We need innovative solutions to power people’s lives. That means investing in sustainable growth that’s good for communities. This project is expected to create 100 jobs during construction, providing more people with good employment and opportunities. And as we support local businesses innovating for the future, we’re always mindful of how we can grow the economy while also protecting the environment. By investing in this specific project we’re helping to develop a system that will produce clean, renewable energy to help power the province.

Whether we’re supporting sustainable infrastructure or putting a price on the pollution that causes climate change, while returning all of the money collected back to Canadians, our government is committed to doing our part to build a better future for everyone.

My friends, this is only one part of our plan to make a real difference in the lives of people across the country. When we were elected, we promised to strengthen the communities that Canadians call home. Through unprecedented investments in infrastructure, we are helping make our cities, both small and large, better places for years to come.

Since November 2015 we have announced over 244 projects in Saskatchewan worth more than $331 million in federal infrastructure funding. And as we move forward with our long term infrastructure plan, we will continue to build the strong, inclusive and sustainable communities that Canadians deserve.

By working together we will ensure that Saskatchewan remains a terrific place to live, whether you’re building your career, furthering your education, or raising your family.

Once again, it’s a tremendous pleasure to be back in Regina today to celebrate an important investment in the future of Saskatchewan.

Thank you. Thanks, everyone. I’m looking forward to being back up here shortly to take your questions.