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(September 01, 2010)
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that our Conservative Government will extend the contract to maintain Canada’s fleet of 78 CF-18 fighter jets until Canada’s next generation fighter capability becomes operational. Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence joined the Prime Minister at the announcement.
The men and women of the Canada’s Armed Forces risk their lives every day defending our sovereignty at home and performing missions abroad. That’s why Conservatives are committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools and equipment needed to get the job done.
For the better part of three decades, the CF-18s have provided excellent and reliable service defending Canadian skies. Since 1982 Canada’s squadron of CF-18s has played key roles in patrolling Canadian airspace, as well as contributing to Canada’s international commitments abroad.
Our Government is continuing to stand up for the Armed Forces by laying the groundwork for procurement of the next generation of fighter jets. At the same time, we must ensure our CF-18s can continue to do the job we need them to do until the F-35s are ready to fly.
Today’s announcement delivers secure jobs and extensive economic benefits to the greater Montreal area. It is also another example of our commitment to ensure best value and results for Canadians.
Through the Canada First Defence Strategy, our Conservative Government is providing our Armed Forces with the right equipment to do the difficult and demanding jobs Canadians ask them to do.
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Government of Canada Invests in Grande Prairie Airport Upgrades (8/17/2010) GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB - Chris Warkentin, M.P., on behalf of Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird, announced funding that will allow the Grande Prairie Airport to make important safety and infrastructure upgrades. By providing close to $121,912.00, the airport will be able to replace the existing towed runway sweeper. “Today I’m pleased to announce funding for the Grande Prairie Airport that will allow the Grande Prairie Airport to make important safety and infrastructure upgrades, and sustain excellent service to passengers and businesses throughout the community,” said Chris Warkentin, M.P. “Smaller airports are vital to many communities across the country, which is why the Government of Canada is taking action to invest in these much-needed upgrades.” “Runway sweepers are essential in ensuring safe runway operations during winter months. The federal government’s contribution of $121,912.00, represents a significant portion of the cost to replace this critical piece of equipment”, said Brian Grant, Grande Prairie Airport CEO. “The Airports Capital Assistance Program has contributed over $14.3 million to airport safety enhancements since our transfer from federal ownership in 1997, representing a significant investment in the technologies and infrastructure available to our users today.” This year, the Government of Canada will invest more than $42 million in safety-related improvements at airports across Canada. These improvements will be funded in 2010-2011 under the Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). ACAP finances capital projects related to safety, such as rehabilitating runways and taxiways, and purchasing visual aids and heavy airside mobile equipment like fire trucks and snowplows. Since ACAP was first introduced, the Government of Canada has invested a total of $533 million for 650 projects at 170 airports, including today’s announcement. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside projects.
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DeBolt Community Centre “Grand Opening” (8/14/2010) Hamlet of DeBolt gathered to celebrate a new Community Centre, August 14, 2010. A ribbon cutting ceremony with politicians, Olympic medallists and community members took place in the morning. The Grand Opening included a fitness centre kick off in the afternoon, show casing the first rural partnership of its kind in CANADA. MYTRAK Health System Inc and the fitness centre have teamed up to bring an opportunity to improve fitness and health right here at home.
“The Centre” features the Fitness Centre, Indoor Playground, DeBolt Public Library, Meeting rooms, Banquet Facilities and Curling Rink. This is a well deserved gathering place for the community and the “Wishes in the Wind” balloon release was a great demonstration of appreciation for the past and gratitude for the future. A community determined to succeed.
QUOTES AND COMMENTS
“It is with great pride that I am able to take part in the Grand Opening of the newly expanded and redeveloped Community Centre in DeBolt,” said Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River. “Having been raised in the community, I know the importance of the Centre, and I want to congratulate and thank every member of the Ag Society, every volunteer, financial contributor and contractor who have dedicated their resources to make this project a reality. The Federal Government is a proud partner in the re-development of the Centre and we are pleased to see the final result.”
“The RInC Program (Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program) funds as administered by W.E.D. (Western Economic Diversification Alberta) were absolutely essential to our community by providing necessary matching funding for the financing of our community center project, a vital part of our community revitalization program,” said President of Ag Society, Allen Perkins.
“The man I see behind the scene in action is General Manager, Brian Moore, he has been an integral part of the action plan beyond what some could imagine,” said Shelley E. Morrison, Facility & Marketing Manager, DeBolt Ag Society. “His dedication and determination has allowed this project to come to fruition.”
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Warkentin Urges Province for Prompt Response to Drought (8/13/2010) Grande Prairie, AB – Aug. 13, 2010 – Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, is calling on the Province of Alberta to expedite its evaluation of the drought-stricken Peace Country farmland so that producers will know if they can expect additional support. “This year has been especially hard for many farm families in the central Peace,” says Warkentin. “Now is not the time for government to drag its feet. The province needs to quickly complete its assessment of this year’s disaster so that both levels of government can determine how best to support the families and communities hardest hit by this drought.” As of today, the province has not yet approached the federal government nor made any request for support in dealing with the Central Peace drought situation. AgriRecovery, a provincial-federal assistance program designed so that both levels of government can jointly assist producers recovering from disaster, must be formally initiated by the province. Warkentin says he is disappointed the province has yet to contact either him or federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Warkentin recently met with Ritz in Ottawa to discuss the problem Peace Country farmers are facing. Warkentin has toured countless affected farms in the past few months, and says he has seen the effects of the drought first-hand.
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The Government of Canada Supports Accessibility for all Canadians (8/11/2010) GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB, - Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, invites organizations to apply for grants of up to $75,000 for projects that will improve accessibility for people with disabilities that will enable them to participate fully in their communities. “Our government supports Canadians with disabilities and their families. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are improving access to facilities, activities and services,” said Chris Warkentin, MP. “Year Two of Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the success of this program by increasing investments that remove barriers for Canadians with disabilities.” Organizations can submit proposals until September 10, 2010, under the Fund’s Small Projects component. Small projects may include renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings, modification of vehicles for community use, or enhancements to make information and communication technologies more accessible. The Enabling Accessibility Fund was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 300 organizations have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in their communities. The Government of Canada makes a number of investments annually to help address the needs of people with disabilities through such programs as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, the Disability component of the Canada Pension Plan, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and post-secondary education assistance measures for students with disabilities. Canada’s Jobs and Growth Budget has a number of additional measures to support people with disabilities, including enhancing the Registered Disability Savings Plan to provide Canadians with disabilities and their families with more flexibility when saving for the future, and providing $5 million annually for five years to the Canadian Paralympic Committee to build on the successes of our Paralympians and continue to encourage persons with disabilities to actively participate in sport. To find out how to apply for funding or for further information about the Fund, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability or call 1-866-268-2502. This news release is available in alternative formats upon request. - 30 -
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