News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES SAFER TWINNED TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

August 5, 2008
Lake Louise, Alberta

Drivers traveling on the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff National Park can count on a safer and more efficient drive thanks to a $100 million investment announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper today.

"Today's investment is about making the Banff Trans-Canada Highway a more reliable drive for everyone," said the Prime Minister. "It is also about strengthening the ties of travel and trade between the dynamic economies of Alberta and BC."

The Trans-Canada Highway project will twin an additional 14 kilometres of highway west of Castle Junction. When completed, drivers will benefit from the twinning of the entire roadway all the way to Lake Louise.

"Every year thousands of Canadians and visitors from around the world visit Banff and travel this highway, whether they are tourists, businesspeople, or just visiting family," said the Prime Minister. "Residents and visitors alike know this to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world. They also deserve for it to be one of the safest."

Funding for the Highway Twinning comes out the Government of Canada's unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan. Nine kilometres of twinning work already underway in Banff National Park and are expected to be completed by the fall. Today's announcement permits work on the next phase to begin with clearing work later this year and new road construction starting by the spring.

"Our government will continue to deliver real results for the people of Banff and all Albertans," concluded the Prime Minister. "I want to single out the contributions of my colleague Myron Thompson who has worked tirelessly to make this twinned highway a reality. This is the largest one-time highway investment ever made in Banff National Park, and a testament to Myron's work ethic, leadership and strong representation."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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