Friday, March 28, 2008

News Release

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


GOVERNMENT OF CANADA DELIVERS FOR ALBERTA WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES

Training and investment to assist those affected by international economic volatility
March 28, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Ed Stelmach announced today that Alberta will receive $104 million as part of the new national Community Development Trust.

The Government of Canada created the trust to help provinces and territories assist communities and workers suffering economic hardship caused by the current volatility in global financial and commodities markets. The Trust will be funded with $1 billion from the projected 2007–08 federal budget surplus and has a three-year lifespan.

"The Community Development Trust was a commitment by Ottawa to help the hard-working families and communities of our country influenced by international economic instability, and I am pleased Alberta is taking advantage of this opportunity," said Prime Minister Harper. "The Trust complements a number of federal initiatives designed to ensure a healthy Canadian economy for years to come."

Premier Stelmach acknowledged the Prime Minister's leadership in establishing the Trust, noting certain Alberta sectors are not immune to international economic volatility.

"Alberta is fortunate its economy is strong and most sectors are on solid ground," said Premier Stelmach. "However, industries like forestry and livestock are experiencing some turbulent times. This funding allows us to target those communities affected by changes in the global marketplace."

The Alberta government will use funding from the Community Development Trust in a variety of areas, including:

  • Training and skills development assistance for workers affected by recent adjustments in the economy.
  • Assist greater Aboriginal participation in Alberta's labour force.
  • Investments aimed at strengthening communities reliant on Alberta's agriculture and forestry sectors, and assisting those communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle.
  • Investing in research and innovation to develop new and value-added opportunities.
  • Developing and strengthening targeted infrastructure to foster economic transition.

    The Alberta government has agreed to administer the funds that it receives and to comply with Canada's obligations pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Softwood Lumber Agreement and its membership in the World Trade Organization.
    The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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    • posted by a Confidential Source @ 3/28/2008   0 comments

    News Release

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


    PRIME MINISTER HARPER HAILS LAND CLAIMS AGREEMENT FOR NORTHERN QUEBEC INUIT

    March 28, 2008
    Kuujjuaq QC

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper, accompanied by Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Chuck Strahl and Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon, today joined with the Nunavimmiut of Northern Quebec to celebrate the enactment of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act, which received Royal Assent on February 14, 2008. The Act gives effect to the Nunavut Inuit Land Claims Agreement, which resolves the last major Inuit land claim in Canada.

    "It took 30 years to bring it to fruition, but this historic milestone hails the dawn of a new era for the Nunavimmiut," said Prime Minister Harper. "By resolving the issues of land and resource ownership and usage rights, the agreement creates a stable environment for investment and development that will mean new jobs and business opportunities for people throughout this region."

    The land claims agreement enables greater local control over economic and social development by providing:

  • Clearly defined and constitutionally protected land and resource ownership rights within the Nunavik Marine Region.

  • Joint ownership with the Cree over 400 square kilometres of land on Hudson Bay.

  • Formal creation of Torngat Mountains National Park and harvesting rights for the Nunavimmiut within the Park.

    "The Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement is a big step forward for social and economic development in this region. But still ahead is the final step in this process, regional self-government for Nunavik," said Prime Minister Harper. In December, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the Makivik Corporation of Nunavik signed an agreement-in-principle on self-government. A final agreement is expected to be reached as early as 2009.

    While in Kuujjuaq, the Prime Minister also met with former Canadian Olympian and National Hockey League star Joé Juneau. After retiring from professional hockey in 2004, Juneau moved to Kuujjuaq to operate a hockey program that encourages Inuit youth to stay in school. "I commend Joé Juneau for his work with Inuit youth," Prime Minister Harper said. "His personal record of athletic and academic achievement is an inspiration to young Canadians everywhere."

    As well, the Prime Minister and Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon inaugurated the new terminal at the Kuujjuaq airport.

    "The Kuujjuaq airport will obviously play an important role in developing the vast potential of this region," said the Prime Minister. "The ability to move goods and people in and out of Nunavik efficiently is essential to regional economic growth and prosperity, and the new terminal is a vital part of Nunavik's transportation infrastructure."
    The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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    • posted by a Confidential Source @ 3/28/2008   0 comments

    News Release

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


    PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO SUMMIT AND VISIT POLAND

    March 28, 2008
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that he will participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Bucharest, Romania, from April 2 to 4, 2008.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier will also participate in the NATO Summit.

    The North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington on April 4, 1949. It was designed to promote the stability of the North Atlantic area and to safeguard the freedom of its people, based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and international law.

    Following the Summit, Prime Minister Harper will travel to Poland, from April 4 to 5, for a working visit.
    The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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    posted by a Confidential Source @ 3/28/2008   0 comments