OTTAWA, ON, March 4, 2010– A broad and diverse range of economists, business organizations, public-interest groups, and commentators are applauding today’s federal budget as a positive plan to create jobs and promote economic growth:

• Canadian Chamber of Commerce: “Welcomed the federal government's strategy to achieve its recovery plan, to return to balanced budgets and to promote a more innovative and competitive economy.”

• Canadian Construction Association: “The federal government has recognized the importance of infrastructure and maintained its investment in development and renewal. The much needed spending announced last year provided stimulus to the Canadian economy through investments in infrastructure, college infrastructure, green technology, as well as new incentives to help in retraining Canada’s unemployed.”

• Conference Board of Canada: “(Budget 2010 was) very well crafted, and the deficit reduction target was a very credible plan.”

• CD Howe Institute: “Eliminating all tariffs on inputs is an absolutely brilliant move. Tariffs are just plain dumb in imposing costs on businesses … it is a superb message … in terms of attracting investors but also in taking a leadership role in establishing an agenda aimed at trade liberalization and broad-based economic growth.”

• Federation of Canadian Municipalities: “FCM applauds the federal government for protecting core investments in cities and communities as it reduces the federal budget deficit. These investments will help local governments - and Canadian property tax payers - build the infrastructure that is the backbone of our economy and quality of life.”

• Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada: “We are pleased that the government is continuing to invest in university research and innovation to create jobs today and to build the economy of tomorrow. This budget sends an important signal. It shows that the government recognizes the vital role universities play in creating opportunities for Canadians in the new economy.”

• Direct Sellers Association of Canada: “(Budget 2010) confirm(s) this government is committed to creating an environment where entrepreneurial activity can grow and jobs can be created."

• Forest Products Association of Canada: "From a forest industry perspective, the Government has its priorities right: investing in green jobs of tomorrow, stimulating the economy through clean energy technologies.”

• Certified General Accountants Association of Canada: “The budget addresses the right priorities - continuing with necessary economic stimulus, focusing on innovation, and charting a course for a return to budget balance.”

• Certified Management Accountants of Canada: “CMA Canada believes Budget 2010 makes Canadian businesses more globally competitive by eliminating barriers to investment in Canada and increasing their capacity to innovate. CMA Canada is encouraged that the government is focusing on innovation, such as developing a Digital Economy Strategy that will further prepare Canadian companies to meet the changing nature of global competition and ensure Canada's future economic prosperity.”

• Canadian Federation of Independent Business was pleased with: “measures to tackle the deficit and recognize the contribution of small business in growing the economy and creating jobs.”

• Canadian Council of Chief Executives: “2010 federal budget recognizes that economic recovery remains fragile and job creation tentative, but its commitment to fiscal discipline will ensure that Canada emerges from the current period of economic weakness in better shape than ever.”

• Investment Industry Association of Canada: “The federal budget, released today, charts a prudent course to support recovery of the Canadian economy and bring public finances back into balance. The government has set out a realistic plan to reduce the $54 billion deficit to near fiscal balance in five years.”

• Derek Holt, Scotia Capital economist: “I like this budget, quite frankly. I think it's the right budget for uncertain times.”

OTTAWA, March 5, 2010-The Conservative Government has launched an ambitious new federal budget focused on job creation and growth to support Canada’s economic recovery. The budget also includes a disciplined long-term plan to return to a balanced budget.

“Our Government presented a jobs and growth budget that responds to the priorities of the Peace Country,” said MP Chris Warkentin, “We are completing Year Two of our Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs now. We are also taking new, targeted measures to fuel new jobs in the future. Our forward-looking action will secure Canada’s economic growth for today and tomorrow.”

The budget highlights three key objectives.

First, it confirms $19 billion in new federal stimulus under Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs. Hundreds of millions of dollars will flow into the province of Alberta for improvements in local infrastructure, creating jobs today and ensuring that our region is ready to support increased economic development.

Second, Budget 2010 invests in a limited number of new, targeted initiatives to build jobs and growth for the economy of tomorrow, harness Canadian innovation, expand international export markets for Agriculture and Forestry products and make Canada a destination of choice for new business investment.

Third, it outlined a three-point plan for returning to a balanced budget once the economy has recovered. This includes ending the temporary stimulus measures as promised, restraining growth in spending through targeted measures, and additional restraint through an in-depth review of the government’s administrative functions and overhead costs.

Unlike the other political parties in Ottawa, the Government has been clear that we will not raise taxes or reduce transfers to provinces, like Alberta, for Health Care, Education, and Seniors in the years ahead.

In fact, Budget 2010 confirmed the Conservative Government’s strong support for provinces.

Alberta will continue to receive increased federal support through Budget 2010.

Total transfers will hit $4.2 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $88 million from last year and almost $1.8 billion under the old Liberal government.

While the Liberals starved provinces and municipalities of much-needed support, the Conservative Government increased key transfers such as: $2 billion in health transfers, an increase of $109 million from last year; and $1.2 billion in social transfers, an increase of $646 million (109 %) from 2005-06.

This long-term support helps ensure Alberta has the resources needed to provide essential public services including health care, post-secondary education, and other social services.

For more information on how Canada’s Economic Plan benefits them, people are encouraged to visit www.budget.gc.ca.

For more information please contact: Chris Warkentin, MP (613) 992-5685

Grande Prairie, Alberta, March 1, 2010 – Chris Warkentin, MP for Peace River and Wayne Drysdale, MLA, Grande Prairie-Wapiti, together with Mayor Dwight Logan of the City of Grande Prairie, today announced funding for the construction of a city-wide wireless network in Grande Prairie. This project will receive over $3.8 million in joint federal-provincial funding, under the Building Canada Communities Component.

This project will expand Grande Prairie’s connectivity infrastructure to construct a wireless network covering 95% of the city’s outdoor areas. The Governments of Canada and Alberta will each invest over $1.9 million in this project. Grande Prairie will also contribute over $1.9 million.

“Having wireless access will offer important benefits to Grande Prairie,” said Chris Warkentin MP for Peace River. “This investment will support businesses, and improve law-enforcement and emergency response capacity, by providing access to important information in the field.”

“The governments of Canada and Alberta are working together to build the foundation for the next generation economy by funding developments such as Grande Prairie’s wireless network,” said Wayne Drysdale, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti. “Expanding our city’s connectivity infrastructure will spur economic growth and help to improve efficiencies for local businesses and community services.”

"We are working with our local and federal counterparts to make investments that will support growth, create jobs and help to ensure our communities are competitive in a modern economy," said Mel Knight, MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky, and Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. "Improvements to Grande Prairie's connectivity infrastructure will enhance wireless access for businesses and residents, while strengthening our community's quality of life."

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"This is exciting news, particularly since our community brand focuses on the innovative culture in the community," says Mayor Dwight Logan. "As a result of this initiative, law enforcement, emergency response, and municipal staff in the field will have information readily at their fingertips and we can provide greater support to businesses and citizens in Grande Prairie."

This project is just one example of the commitment of both governments to strengthen the Alberta economy and improve the quality of life for its residents. The Governments of Canada and Alberta have taken steps to advance projects and flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects in Alberta communities in the 2010 construction season.

For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca. The website www.creatingjobs.gc.ca has more information on federal infrastructure investments in Alberta.

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Chris Warkentin, MP
Peace River
780-538-1677
warkec1@parl.gc.ca

Mayor Dwight Logan
City of Grande Prairie
780-538-0310 Wayne Drysdale, MLA
Grande Prairie-Wapiti
780-538-1800
grandeprairie.wapiti@assembly.ab.ca

Mel Knight, MLA
Grande Prairie-Smoky
780-513-1233
grandeprairie.smoky@assembly.ab.ca

Government of Canada Invests in Prairie Art Gallery

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta, February 17, 2010 – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River), today announced funding to support the Prairie Art Gallery in hosting the travelling exhibition “Jean-Pierre Gauthier: Machines à l’œuvre / Machines at Play” from the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal.

This contemporary exhibition by leading Quebec artist Jean-Pierre Gauthier comprises 12 major installations produced between 2002 and 2006. The exhibition has been circulating throughout Canada since January 2009 and is presented at the Prairie Art Gallery from January 8 to March 21, 2010.

“Our Government is proud to support museums in bringing travelling exhibits to communities throughout Canada,” said Minister Moore. “This exhibit will allow residents and visitors to the region to enjoy the works of one of our great artists.”

“I am pleased that the Peace Country region will now have the opportunity to take part in this travelling exhibit,” said Mr. Warkentin. “This will be an opportunity for local residents to celebrate the artistic accomplishments of one of Canada’s best.”

“‘Machines at Play’ by Jean-Pierre Gauthier is exactly the sort of exhibition of national significance that the board, staff, and supporters of the Prairie Art Gallery had in mind when we began planning the expansion of the gallery seven years ago,” said Robert Steven, Executive Director of the Prairie Art Gallery. “We are elated to be able to fill it with an exhibition of this quality and complexity.”

The Prairie Art Gallery, incorporated in 1975, is a regional public art gallery serving the Peace Country region of Northern Alberta and British Columbia. The gallery provides year-round exhibitions of local, regional, provincial, national and international artists, both at its main location and through an extensive travelling exhibition program. The Prairie Art Gallery offers educational programs, including art classes for all ages, and provides lectures, school tours, workshops, seminars, and film presentations for diverse audiences.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $15,000 under the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

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For more information (media only), please contact:

Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca

Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.)