Statement

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

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY

June 20, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on National Aboriginal Day:

"June 21st is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures of Aboriginal people whether they are First Nations, Métis or Inuit. This year marks 400 years of common history between Aboriginal people and the first settlers.

"Together, we have made significant progress and have achieved concrete results on a range of Aboriginal issues, including land claims, education, housing, child and family services, safe drinking water, economic opportunity and the extension of human rights protection to First Nations individuals on reserve.

"In addition, this year Canada has marked two important milestones in the resolution of the sad legacy of the Indian Residential Schools System. On June 1st, the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission was launched and on June 11th, I stood in the House Commons and offered an historic formal apology to former students on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians.

"As we mark National Aboriginal Day, the Government of Canada reaffirms its commitment to continue working with Aboriginal leaders to improve the lives of Aboriginal people across the country."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES RCMP CADET TRAINING PAY TO BOOST RECRUITMENT

June 20, 2008
Regina

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that effective immediately RCMP Cadets will receive an allowance of $500 per week for the duration of their 24-week training period.

"Our goal is to make the choice of a career as a Mountie all the more attractive for the legions of smart, fit, dedicated young Canadian men and women who dream of becoming RCMP officers," said Prime Minister Harper, who was joined at the announcement by Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Stockwell Day. "This will help cadets meet financial obligations that they cannot ignore during training."

The RCMP expects to recruit more than 8,000 new officers over the next five years, equivalent to nearly half of total current force strength. Meeting the target is a challenge because the selection and training process is so rigorous and because there is intense competition for talented young people in Canada's high-employment economy.

Providing cadets with a modest training allowance will remove one of the recognized impediments to recruiting. The RCMP has reduced the application processing times from an average of nearly 300 days to 83 days. They have also made greater efforts to accommodate officer deployment preferences, and to inform cadets of their likely postings before the end of the application process.

"As a result of these changes, the force now expects to meet its target of a one thousand officer net increase by 2013," said Prime Minister Harper. "That means more police patrolling our streets and communities, more protection for Canadians and their families, and better national security for major international events like the Winter Olympics and the G8 Summit in 2010."

For more information on a career with the RCMP, visit www.rcmp.ca or contact a local recruiting office.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release (REVISED)

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES NEW BRIDGE TO COMPLETE RING ROAD AND EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN SASKATOON

June 20, 2008
Saskatoon

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison, today announced that the three levels of government are joining together to build the South River Crossing bridge and complete the Saskatoon Circle Drive Southwest Project.

"The Saskatoon Circle Drive Southwest Project will ease traffic congestion throughout the city and help keep the local and provincial economy growing by improving its connections to markets across the continent and around the world," said the Prime Minister. "It will reduce fuel consumption and expense, improve city air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and shorten commute times."

The project includes construction of a new six-lane bridge across the South Saskatchewan River to complete the final section of the Centre City Ring Road, which will help divert commercial vehicles and other through traffic from the downtown core.

The total eligible project cost is $242.5 million. Under a three-way cost sharing arrangement, the federal and provincial governments will each contribute up to $86 million, with the City of Saskatoon contributing $70.5 million.

"This project is a testament to what can be achieved when governments embrace the true spirit of open federalism and work together to make Canada stronger, safer, and better," Prime Minister Harper said.

The Saskatoon Circle Drive Southwest Project is part of the Building Canada Plan, the federal government's strategy for renewing the country's national economic infrastructure. The $33-billion undertaking is Canada's largest infrastructure development program in over half a century.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES NEW BRIDGE TO COMPLETE RING ROAD AND EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN SASKATOON

June 20, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison, today announced that the three levels of government are joining together to build the South River Crossing bridge and complete the Saskatoon Circle Drive Southwest Project.

"The Saskatoon Circle Drive Southwest Project will ease traffic congestion throughout the city and help keep the local and provincial economy growing by improving its connections to markets across the continent and around the world," said the Prime Minister. "It will reduce fuel consumption and expense, improve city air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and shorten commute times."

The project includes construction of a new four-lane bridge across the South Saskatchewan River to complete the final section of the Centre City Ring Road, which will help divert commercial vehicles and other through traffic from the downtown core.

The total eligible project cost is $242.5 million. Under a three-way cost sharing arrangement, the federal and provincial governments will each contribute up to $86 million, with the City of Saskatoon contributing $70.5 million.

"This project is a testament to what can be achieved when governments embrace the true spirit of open federalism and work together to make Canada stronger, safer, and better," Prime Minister Harper said.

The Saskatoon Circle Drive Southwest Project is part of the Building Canada Plan, the federal government's strategy for renewing the country's national economic infrastructure. The $33-billion undertaking is Canada's largest infrastructure development program in over half a century.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]