Address to open the Leggett Bridge

April 01, 2007

Thank you and good morning.

I am delighted to be here today on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, with Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman and Mayor Ron Holman to celebrate the completion of Leggett Bridge here in the Township of Rideau Lakes.

Through Intake One of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, or COMRIF, the Government of Canada proudly invested up to $120,000 towards this project.

Canada’s New Government supports projects that strengthen our communities.

This project will ensure that the route remains safe and reliable for motorists and emergency vehicles.

Earlier this year, Canada’s New Government, in partnership with the Government of Ontario announced a joint investment of $93 million through Intake Three of COMRIF.

COMRIF investments in Ontario now total $578 million in 280 projects across the province.

These investments through COMRIF are a prime example of how we can all work together to support healthy communities.

Canada’s New Government is proud to invest in local infrastructure projects which improve the quality of life of residents across the province.

We are delivering on our promises and keeping a clear focus on priorities.

We started by spending on priorities and reducing the national debt.
 
We are restoring the confidence of taxpayers by ensuring responsible financial management and, most important of all, keeping the economy strong. 

We announced a plan called Advantage Canada that will help build the modern infrastructure Canada needs. It supports economic growth, opportunity and choices for Canadians.

As part of Advantage Canada, the New Government will work toward a comprehensive plan for infrastructure. We are fully committed to working with the provinces and territories to build a stronger economy for all Canadians.

It will build on Budget 2006, which committed an unprecedented $16.5 billion in funding for infrastructure, including $6.6 billion in new investment for infrastructure programs.

This Government recognizes the importance of infrastructure in Canada’s success. Consultations with various governments, including Ontario, and other stakeholders, like the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, occurred over the summer and fall of 2006. Canada’s New Government is currently developing its long-term plan for infrastructure programs.

With Advantage Canada, the Government is building a stronger Canada that is prosperous and secure. We are taking action on our commitment to ensuring the prosperity of our communities.

As this announcement demonstrates, Canada’s New Government is also taking concrete, tangible action to protect our environment. At the end of the day, it is all about your health and quality of life.

For the first time in Canadian history, we will regulate emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, indoors and outdoors, and across all industrial sectors.

We are investing unprecedented amounts in improving public transit and the development of renewable energy. We have acted decisively to protect Canadians against the harmful effects of chemicals.
 
Recently, the Prime Minister announced that Canada’s New Government would invest $1.5 billion dollars in the EcoEnergy Renewables initiative. This will boost Canada’s supply of clean electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind power up to 4,000 megawatts, which is enough to power about 1 million homes.

This is a government that’s serious about the environment and serious about our commitments.

Again, I am pleased to be here today, and I congratulate the Township of Rideau Lakes on the successful completion of this COMRIF project.

Thank you.