FRANCAIS

October 20, 2005

Winnipeg, Manitoba – A renewed multi-year funding agreement will continue Rivers West’s efforts to promote tourism, economic development and environmental stewardship in communities along the Red River Corridor with an investment of $750,000 under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The funding will be $250,000 a year over the next three years.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Steve Ashton, Manitoba Minister of Water Stewardship, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Selinger, Manitoba Finance Minister, and the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport).

“This three-year funding will help Rivers West continue the important work they do along Manitoba’s historic and culturally rich Red River Corridor,” said Minister Ashton. “Developing recreational trails and tourism opportunities along the river while protecting and improving the natural environment is a win - win for local communities.”

“Rivers West is an excellent example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to promoting sustainable development,” said Minister Alcock, “Their strategy combines economic growth that respects and encourages environmental conservation.”

“We recognize that tourism development and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand,” said Jim August Chair of Rivers West – Red River Corridor Association. “With today’s announcement we will continue to build on our accomplishments in developing the Red River Corridor as a tourist and recreational destination.”

Rivers West is a non-profit organization established in 1999 with a mandate to develop a long-term tourism and conservation strategy on the Red River from Emerson to Lake Winnipeg. Its activities include developing, promoting and marketing tourist attractions that focus on the natural, cultural, historic, and recreational aspects of the Red River Corridor.

With the renewal of the funding agreement Rivers West’s activities will concentrate on five areas: enhancing and protecting the natural resources of the Red; managing and developing the river’s cultural and historical resources; enhancing trail development and restoring river access points; developing and marketing commercial tourism products and packages for local, national, and international visitors.

Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders on two strategic priorities – Building our Economy and Sustainable Communities – to enhance the skills of Manitoba workers and promote economic growth and diversification in Manitoba. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.

Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework.

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