Minister Strahl Announces Improvements to Recreational Facilities in Seven Northwest Territories Communities

CanNor-09-012

YELLOWKNIFE (November 12, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), today announced funding for the renovation and improvement of seven recreation facilities in the Northwest Territories.

"Investments in recreational infrastructure projects in the North are investments in the health and well-being of Canadians," said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "These projects will directly improve the lives of people in these Northwest Territories communities by providing a safe place to meet, play and exercise."

"These facilities are at the heart of community life, not only serving as places to play but also as communal gathering spaces," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. "Our Government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have access to vital public infrastructure that promotes healthy, sustainable communities."

The projects announced today will help with much-needed repairs and upgrades to these facilities, improving the quality of life for local residents. Recreational facilities play an important role in many northern communities, where they serve as fitness and sports centres, as well as public school gymnasiums, polling stations, and venues for a variety of community gatherings and celebrations. Investing in better recreational facilities will also help to stimulate the economy at the community level. Details of the projects are included in the accompanying Backgrounder.

Funding for these projects was provided through CanNor's Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. RInC is a national program that provides economic stimulus of $500 million until March 31, 2011 and is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan . The program shares the cost of repairing, upgrading or expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. Funding of $1.67 million was earmarked for RInC projects across the three territories.

RInC is one of a suite of economic development programs delivered by CanNor in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy.

Backgrounder - Seven Recreation and Infrastructure Projects for the Northwest Territories.

For copies of CanNor news releases, visit our website.

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan  and Canada's Northern Strategy.

For further information please contact:

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), NWT Region
Petra White
Communications Advisor
(867) 669-2580