Minister of State for Finance Sorenson Discusses Economic Action Plan 2014 in Saskatoon

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Feb. 20, 2014) - Office of the Minister of Industry

Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson today highlighted Economic Action Plan 2014 and what it means for jobs and growth in Saskatchewan at an event hosted by Cervus Equipment. Joined by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Minister of State Sorenson focused on specific investments made in the Action Plan, most notably in rural broadband, that will help businesses, families and communities across Saskatchewan prosper.

Economic Action Plan 2014 will invest $305 million over five years to expand and enhance access to high-speed broadband networks to a target speed of 5 megabits per second for up to 280,000 Canadian households, which represents near universal access. Canadians in rural areas expect to have access to the same applications and Internet services as those in urban centres. The Minister of State made it clear that the Government of Canada's priority is to see that Canadians, regardless of where they live, have access to the Internet at speeds of at least 5 megabits per second.

Economic Action Plan 2014 is focused on what matters most to Canadians-jobs and growth. Minister of State Sorenson underlined that the Government will make these investments in broadband, while remaining focused on returning to balanced budgets and ensuring no new taxes for businesses and families.

Quick Facts

• Between 2009 and 2012, the Broadband Canada program connected nearly 220,000 Canadian households to fast, reliable Internet service. Through Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada aims to expand and enhance access for up to 280,000 households to reliable Internet service at 5 megabits per second.
• With Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government is continuing to pursue the objectives of job creation and economic growth that have underpinned the Action Plan since its inception in 2009, while remaining on track for balanced budgets in 2015-16.
• Over 1 million net new jobs have been created in Canada since the end of the recession. This is by far the strongest job growth in the entire G7 over this period.

Quotes

"Economic Action Plan 2014 is about keeping taxes low and supporting businesses, families and communities across Saskatchewan and Canada. Since 2006, our government has cut taxes nearly 160 times, putting nearly $3,400 back into the pockets of hard-working Canadian families this year. We have done this while continuing to invest in the vital infrastructure that advances our economy and builds the nation, especially through expanding rural broadband. Through Economic Action Plan 2014, our government is focused on what matters most to Canadians; Saskatchewan is well positioned to grow for many years."

- Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)

"Ensuring that Canadians have fast, reliable Internet service is fundamental to building a strong, modern digital economy in Canada. In a world where it matters less where you live and more what you can offer, people across our province are realizing that they can put down roots in their communities, while taking full advantage of opportunities online. Through the timely investments in rural broadband made by Economic Action Plan 2014, more entrepreneurs and small businesses across Saskatchewan will be able to spur new innovation and create new jobs, while living and working in their local community. This is great for Saskatchewan and great for Canada."

- Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar