News Release (REVISED)

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

---

PM launches restoration of the Bluenose II

Canada's Economic Action Plan

August 18, 2010
Lunenburg, Nouvelle-Écosse

Prime Minister Stephen Harper marked the beginning of vital restoration work on the Bluenose II - one of Canada's most recognizable symbols. He was joined at the event by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's.

"The Bluenose II is an important and lasting part of Canada's proud maritime heritage," said Prime Minister Harper. "The restoration efforts now underway will ensure that this important cultural icon remains part of the Canadian landscape for years to come."

This phase of the restoration work will replace the wood hull, frames and planking of the ship with improved laminated wood frames and conventional planking materials. The work will generate short-term local construction employment and ensure long-term tourism jobs.

Financial support for this project comes from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. Part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to tackle the global economic recession, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund has resulted in close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country.

Thanks to the Economic Action Plan, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have announced joint funding for more than 100 infrastructure projects across the province to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

---

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 )]

Article

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

---

Backgrounder: Restoration of the Bluenose II

CANADA'S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

August 18, 2010
Lunenburg, Nouvelle-Écosse

Restoration of the Bluenose II

Under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Government of Canada is providing funding for the replacement of the wood hull, frames and planking of the Bluenose II with improved laminated wood frames and conventional planking materials.

The reconstruction of the hull is part of a significant restoration project aimed at ensuring the vessel continues in its current role as a major tourist attraction in its home port of Lunenburg. Restoration will also allow the Bluenose II to continue to generate economic activity through the promotion of national and international tourism trade events.

The total estimated cost for this project is over $9.8 million. The Government of Canada will contribute over $4.9 million, with a matching contribution from Nova Scotia.

Launched in 1963, the Bluenose II has for many years been used to promote Nova Scotia's maritime heritage as well as the province's appeal as a tourism and business destination. In 1971, the Bluenose II was given to the Government of Nova Scotia by the Oland family for $1. Currently operated by the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society, the 143-foot schooner continues to be a "floating ambassador" for Nova Scotia, visiting ports throughout the province and North America. It is also used for public harbour tours and unique charters.

---

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 )]

News Release

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

---

PM launches restoration of the Bluenose II

Canada's Economic Action Plan

August 18, 2010
Lunenburg, Nouvelle-Écosse

Prime Minister Stephen Harper marked the beginning of vital restoration work on the Bluenose II - one of Canada's most recognizable symbols. He was joined at the event by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's.

"The Bluenose II is an important and lasting part of Canada's proud maritime heritage," said Prime Minister Harper. "The restoration efforts now underway will ensure that this important cultural icon remains part of the Canadian landscape for years to come."

This phase of the restoration work will replace the wood hull, frames and planking of the ship with improved laminated wood frames and conventional planking materials. The work will generate short-term local construction employment and ensure long-term tourism jobs.

Financial support for this project comes from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. Part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to tackle the global economic recession, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund has resulted in close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country.

Thanks to the Economic Action Plan, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have announced joint funding for more than 100 infrastructure projects across the province to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

---

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 )]

Article

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

---

Work-Sharing Program and Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Canada's Economic Action Plan

August 18, 2010
Waterville, Nova Scotia

Work-Sharing Program:

Work-Sharing is an adjustment program to help employers and employees avoid temporary layoffs when there is a reduction in the normal level of business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week. Work-Sharing Agreements must be agreed upon by both employee and employer representatives and approved by Service Canada. Work-Sharing Agreements have a minimum duration of six weeks.

For further information, please visit the Work-Sharing Web site:

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/work_sharing/index.shtml

Targeted Initiative for Older Workers:

In October 2006, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills development established a new national cost-shared program to help provide employment assistance to Canadians between the ages of 55 and 64 who live in communities which have been impacted by high unemployment, significant downsizing or company closures. The program provides skills upgrading, job search strategies, skills assessment, work experience and income support. Since its inception, the Government has committed $220 million to this program, $60 million of which was announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan (Budget 2009).

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is cost-shared between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.

The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia today announced continued support of almost $4 million for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program. Since April 2009, this funding has been supporting 19 projects in the province and assisting over 300 unemployed older workers.

To date, over 13,000 workers across Canada have been helped through this initiative.

For further information, please visit the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers site:

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/employment/employment_measures/older_workers/index.shtml

---

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 )]

News Release

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

---

PM stands up for Nova Scotia workers

Canada's Economic Action Plan

August 18, 2010
Waterville, Nova Scotia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today reinforced the Government of Canada's support for Nova Scotia's workers. Following a visit to the Michelin Tire Factory in Waterville, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the company's highly successful participation in the Government's Work-Sharing Program. Prime Minister Harper took the opportunity to announce continued support for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program - another initiative designed to keep Canadians working during and after the global economic recession. He was joined by Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova.

"Our Government is standing up for Nova Scotia's workers," said the Prime Minister. "As soon as the global economic recession hit, we took immediate action to come up with creative solutions like the Work-Sharing Program to keep businesses open and Canadians in their jobs."

By joining the Work-Sharing Program in April 2009, the Michelin Tire Factory in Waterville avoided laying-off 95 employees; 578 employees at the plant participated in this program. This year the company has removed its hiring freeze and added 91 new employees to its ranks. This program has been successfully implemented across the country, indeed, the Prime Minister also visited another successful Work-Sharing Program yesterday, Global Upholstery Company Inc., in Downsview, Ontario.

"Today I am pleased to announce our Government's continued support to help older Nova Scotians develop the skills they need to find new jobs," said Prime Minister Harper. "Because in today's knowledge-based economy, we recognize the necessity of keeping our workforce up-to-date on the latest technologies, processes and best practices."

Through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have been providing skills training and work experience for over 300 unemployed older workers in Nova Scotia since April 2009. The program helps older workers re-enter the workforce and adapt to the changing economy.

---

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 )]

Notice

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

---

Public events for Thursday, August 19th

August 18, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Thursday, August 19th are:

Miramichi, New Brunswick

11:00 a.m. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement. He will be joined by Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women; Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway; and Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi.

Rodd Miramichi River Inn
1809 Water Street
Miramichi, New Brunswick

* Open to media

Note:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.

Frederiction, New Brunswick

3:00 p.m. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper will tour Kings Landing. He will be joined by Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

Kings Landing
5804 Route 102
Fredericton, New Brunswick

* Photo opportunity only ( photographers and camera only )

Notes:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media needs to arrive at the Visitor Reception Centre of Kings Landing no later than 2:45p.m.

New Maryland, New Brunswick

5:00 p.m. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make brief remarks at the New Brunswick Members' BBQ Event.

New Maryland Centre
754 New Maryland Highway
New Maryland, New Brunswick
E3C 1K1

*Open to media.

Note:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.

---

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 )]