Communities in northern and central Alberta receive over $1.7 million in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation

FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Jan. 18, 2017) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Fourteen communities in northern and central Alberta will receive a total of over $1.7 million through the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and Canada 150 Fund and Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to help communities modernize local recreation facilities, as well as improve social and cultural infrastructure and programs.

These funding programs are part of Canada 150 Celebrates, the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150^th anniversary of Confederation. Budget 2016 provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada's Regional Development Agencies and $168.2 million over two years through Canadian Heritage's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to deliver community funding across the country.

Through investments in community, social and cultural infrastructure and programs, the Government of Canada is supporting the legacy of many Canadians who have invested their time, energy and spirit into improving the cultural and recreational opportunities for people of all ages within their communities.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes that cultural and recreational activities bring communities together and contributes to our overall health and well-being. The renewed facilities and programs not only respond to the demand for community infrastructure improvements, but also provide us an opportunity to celebrate the people of this great country."

- The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada; and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The communities of Wood Buffalo have deep roots and a rich history. Investments like these help the people of our region connect with each other and celebrate our unique history and culture."

- Melissa Blake, Mayor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Backgrounder

Government of Canada Invests in central and northern Alberta Community Infrastructure

Announcement by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and MP (Edmonton Mill Woods) on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development.

Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (Department of Western Economic Diversification)

Budget 2016 provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada's Regional Development Agencies to invest in local improvements to communities across the country, starting in 2016-17. A total of $46.2 million was allocated for projects across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is responsible for administering the program in the West.

Canada 150 Fund (Department of Canadian Heritage)

The Government of Canada established the Canada 150 Fund to create opportunities for Canadians to participate in local, regional and national celebrations that will provide lasting legacies for future generations.

With a budget of $200 million, the Canada 150 Fund has allowed hundreds of organization to submit funding applications for activities that will mark the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (Department of Canadian Heritage)

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.

TOTAL FEDERAL INVESTMENT ANNOUNCED: $1,751,373

Stay Connected

Twitter: @WD_Canada, @MinisterISED, @CdnHeritage, @RMWoodBuffalo, @canada150th

Hashtag: #Canada150

Website: Western Economic Diversification Canada, Canadian Heritage, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Canada 150

Facebook: @canada150th

Instagram: @canada150

WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)

TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

Additional Links

- Western Economic Diversification Canada: Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

- Canadian Heritage: Canada 150 Fund

- Government of Canada Announces Support for Community Infrastructure in Alberta

- Backgrounder: The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017

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