"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities,” said MP Warkentin. “By improving facilities like the Deadwood Community Hall, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for local residents and all Canadians.”

The Harper Government invested $34,500 to assist with a number of renovations to the Deadwood Community Hall. Combined funds from the federal CIIF, the province, the municipality and the community league allowed for improvements to the hall entrance, stairs, bathrooms, ceiling tiles and lights.

This facility, located in northern Alberta, is the community’s main centre of activity and it provides a venue that facilitates countless hours of sports, recreation, entertainment and events to all age groups.

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The fund has supported projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

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Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Warkentin. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

The following organizations throughout the riding will receive a combined $140,765 for their projects that will promote and support social participation for seniors:

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12,200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $33 million in funding for approximately 1,750 community projects.

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Warkentin says Peace Country residents can take comfort in the prudent and responsible direction the government has taken in this fiscal plan. He also points out that the budget reaffirms the government’s commitment to job-creation and growth, as it includes important measures to invest in infrastructure as well as increased skills and training support, including the new $15,000 Canada Job Grant.

"This is a great news budget for Albertans and Peace Country residents,” said Warkentin. “It delivered on the priorities of Peace Country residents by focusing on balancing the budget, eliminating government waste, reducing red tape for small businesses, investing in essential local infrastructure, creating job training opportunities and creating long term prosperity. It is a focused budget that delivers for the Peace Country."

The budget includes a $14 billion New Building Canada Fund, which will support major economic infrastructure projects that have national and regional significance.

The Canada Job Grant also promises to transform the way Canadians receive training. Canadians who have an offer for a new job or a better job may qualify for up to $15,000 to learn new skills to accept the new or better job. Warkentin says the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to connect Canadians with available jobs.

Warkentin says the Economic Action Plan will continue to steer Canada toward growth and prosperity. He says the plan puts Canada in a good position to improve upon its already stellar job-creation record – the best among G7 countries with 950,000 new jobs added since the global recession.

Economic Action Plan 2013 includes many other key measures to strengthen Canada’s economy, including:

• Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive, and an extended ‘hiring credit’ for small businesses who create jobs;
• A record $70 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;
• Major investments in research and technology;
• New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;
• Elimination of ‘import tax’ tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sports gear, and exercise equipment;

Economic Action Plan 2013 also confirmed the Conservative government’s continued all-time record support for hospitals, schools, and other important health and social services in Alberta. In fact, in 2013-14, federal transfer support to Alberta will be almost $1.8 billion higher than under the former federal Liberal government.

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Canada and the U.S. share a close and strong energy relationship. That is why the government has been dedicated to: promoting both countries’ shared interests and in enhancing environmental protection and energy security to support jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for both nations. In fact, Canada has aligned its goals on greenhouse gas emissions with the United States, committing to a 17 per cent reduction below 2005 levels by 2020. Canada is already halfway toward meeting this target.

Warkentin says both countries’ shared commitment to democracy, free markets and rule of law underpin why Canada and the United States have the world’s most successful relationship.

Approval of the Keystone XL pipeline would create thousands of high-quality jobs on both sides of the border, adds Warkentin, while replacing oil bought from the likes of Venezuela and the Middle East with a stable continental supply which would, in turn, improve the energy security of North America.
Canada is currently the largest supplier of oil to the United States, sending 2.8 million barrels of competitively priced crude and petroleum products per day to U.S. consumers and refineries. However, the U.S. still imports about 40 per cent of its crude and 40 per cent of those imports come from OPEC nations. Keystone XL would supply at least 700,000 barrels of oil a day to the U.S. and reduce that country’s dependence on OPEC oil. Most North Americans realize that the U.S. demand for oil is not disappearing anytime soon, and likewise acknowledge that Canada is the ideal suitor to supply this need.
Warkentin says Peace Country residents can rest assured that the federal government will always put Canada’s interests and Canadian jobs first.

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“I am proud to see communities across the Peace Country benefit from our Government’s support for local infrastructure,” said MP Warkentin. “Residents of all ages will benefit from projects like these, which will also boost economic activity, as well as leave a lasting legacy of modernized community facilities for future generations.”

The Harper Government’s investment of over $49,000 will support infrastructure improvements to three community facilities across Peace River. These projects include upgrades to the La Glace Curling Club, Rycroft Municipal Library, and Worsley Clear Hills Ski Club. These investments will ensure residents and families can continue to enjoy these local facilities for years to come.

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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The election resulted in a record-setting win in the Peace Country, and a majority Conservative government.

The election saw Warkentin garner 75.8 per cent of the total vote, an all-time high in the riding. That percentage is the 10th highest in all of Canada.

Warkentin says he is excited about returning to the House of Commons and passing the popular 2011 budget the government introduced before the election.

This is third time the Peace Country has elected Warkentin to the House of Commons. The Conservative Party returns to Ottawa with 167-seat majority.

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