News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER AND PREMIER MCGUINTY ANNOUNCE THREE NEW FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL INITIATIVES

March 27, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty today announced three important initiatives that will support provincial programs that provide assistance for workers and communities who have been negatively affected by the rapid appreciation in the Canadian dollar, softening in the US economy, high oil prices, and intense competition from emerging economies, as well as support for public transit and policing.

"Our Government is committed to the federalism of openness, an approach to federal-provincial relations that relies on respect for jurisdiction and productive collaboration to get things done for Canadians," Prime Minister Harper said. "These three initiatives contribute to Ontario's competitive strengths and support the Ontario Government's efforts by investing in workers and communities. Our Governments have collaborated on a number of projects that have delivered real, direct benefits to Ontarians during the last two years."

"Ontario has a five-point economic plan that will grow the economy by investing in our people, communities and infrastructure and further strengthen Ontario's international competitiveness. Our plan will continue to reduce taxes while investing in innovation and forming key economic partnerships, stimulating investment and job growth," said Premier McGuinty. "These federal initiatives will provide support for our efforts as the Ontario economy adjusts to new challenges in the global economy."

The Community Development Trust will provide Ontario with $358 million to support programs that improve productivity and competitiveness, technology development and training for workers and communities facing challenges in industries such as agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing, including automotive manufacturers.

The Police Officers Recruitment Fund allocated to Ontario is its share of the national Fund. Over the next five years, the province will receive $156 million to improve public safety and security by putting more officers on the streets of Ontario's cities and towns.

The Public Transit Capital Trust expands on existing federal support for public transit in Ontario by providing $195 million in new funding. The province will direct the funds into its ambitious plans for expanding public transit, including its MoveOntario 2020 transit plan.

"I want to congratulate Premier McGuinty and his Government for developing programs that will use these federal funds to strengthen the Ontario economy, improve public safety, and expand the public transit system," said Prime Minister Harper. "Working together, our governments are getting things done for all Ontarians."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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