FRANCAIS

May 19, 2004

OAKBANK, Manitoba – The governments of Canada and Manitoba today announced the signing of an agreement in principle to improve and renew public infrastructure in small and rural communities across Manitoba. The five-year agreement includes $41 million each from the federal and provincial governments, as well as $41 million from the project applicants.

Under the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program funded under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), projects will be funded equally by both levels of government and applicants. The program will be jointly administered by the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat. Since its creation in 2000, the Secretariat has proven to be a model that other provinces and territories emulate to provide efficient, streamlined single-window federal-provincial program delivery.

“The funds we are announcing today, in collaboration with the province, will not only improve public infrastructure, but will contribute to cleaner air, safer water and better transportation for us and generations to come,” said the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board.

“Manitoba looks forward to continuing the excellent partnerships we have developed amongst all levels of government in improving our infrastructure,” said the Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, on behalf of the Honourable Rosann Wowchuk, Acting Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade. “This program will make an important and continuing contribution to Manitoba’s priorities to improve drinking water quality, better manage wastewater and reduce the effluent that flows into Lake Winnipeg.”

"Rural life is vital to the life of our nation," said the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "The new Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program will ensure the economic sustainability and quality of life for Manitobans wherever they live in the province."

The governments of Canada and Manitoba have agreed that at least 40 percent of the funding available under this program will go to “green” projects that improve the quality of the environment and contribute to cleaner air, soil and water. Green project categories include: water, wastewater, solid waste, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other eligible project categories will be local roads, and cultural, recreational and tourism infrastructure and connectivity.

Municipalities and non-governmental organizations that have the support of a municipal council resolution will be able to apply for funding once a formal federal-provincial agreement is signed.

As under the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and, the Northern Association of Community Councils will play a key role in guiding project selection. A local consultative committee will be established to review and recommend project funding and implementation.

Through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), the Government of Canada will invest $1 billion in priority infrastructure projects across Canada. The MRIF builds on the success and lessons learned from previous programs, especially the $2.05 billion Infrastructure Canada Program, and complements programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, which addresses larger infrastructure needs, primarily in urban areas. For more information on the Government of Canada and Manitoba’s infrastructure programs, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.infrastructure.mb.ca.

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