Backgrounder

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

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Canada's Economic Action Plan

Stimulus projets deadline extension

December 2, 2010
Mississauga, Ontario

In February 2009, the Harper Government launched Canada's Economic Action Plan, one of the most comprehensive stimulus packages in the industrialized world. Our Economic Action Plan is working. By funding approximately 23,000 projects across the country, federal, provincial/territorial and municipal partners have injected $62 billion dollars into the economy and helped more than 420,000 Canadians get back to work since July 2009. This timely, targetted and temporary support includes $16 billion of federal funds to support thousands of infrastructure projects which will benefit Canadians for years to come.

The deadline for completing infrastructure stimulus projects under the Economic Action Plan was March 31, 2011. However, reports from partners show that a small number of projects have been delayed for a variety of reasons. Following consultations with provincial/territorial partners, the Government of Canada has decided to extend the construction deadline on infrastructure projects under four funding programs: the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Building Canada Fund Communities Component Top-Up, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. Nearly 90 per cent of projects under these four specific infrastructure programs are expected to be completed by March 31, 2011.

By extending the deadline for one more construction season, the Economic Action Plan will further benefit Canadians without incurring additional government spending. In fairness to all partners, this extension will apply to all projects under these programs, and will not be applied on a case-by-case basis.

In order to qualify for this extension, work must have begun on the project and it must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011. Claims for all expenses incurred up to this date must be submitted by April 30, 2011. This is a one-time extension. While virtually all projects are expected to be completed by October 31, 2011, the Government of Canada will not share in any costs after this date, and proponents will be required to complete projects at their own expense.

While providing flexibility, the Harper Government is committed to ensuring that the stimulus program is completed in a timely fashion, and that Canada returns to balanced budgets in a timely manner.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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