Governments of Canada and Alberta break ground on Cameron Heights interchange
in Edmonton

EDMONTON, Oct. 9 /CNW/ - Construction on the final interchange on Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton is officially underway.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to be working together with the Government of Alberta to ensure this interchange gets built," said Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for the Status of Women, on behalf of Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This is another example of a project we are funding in Edmonton that will improve the city's roadways, support economic growth and create jobs in the community."

The governments of Canada and Alberta will each contribute $12.5 million toward the $25-million project that will be complete in the fall of 2011. The other four interchanges, at Stony Plain Road, Lessard Road, Callingwood Road and Rabbit Hill Road, will also open next fall.

"Investing in our provincial highway network supports thousands of jobs today, lays the foundation for future economic growth and supports our communities," said Luke Ouellette, Alberta Minister of Transportation. "The Cameron Heights interchange project is significant because it will not only improve safety and relieve congestion, it will also remove the last set of lights making this stretch of road free flow when completed in fall 2011."

"This new interchange will certainly improve traffic flow and safety for my constituents and all motorists," said David Xiao, MLA for Edmonton-McClung. "It will also be a vital transportation link for the region that will speed up the movement of goods and contribute to Alberta's economy."

The Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides for almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years and the acceleration of the $33-billion Building Canada Plan, which will help address needs in communities across Canada and contribute to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure such as roads, water treatment plants, green energy and transit.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. For more information on the Edmonton Ring Road, visit www.transportation.alberta.ca.

For further information:

Media inquiries may be directed to:

John Babcock Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa 613-991-0700 Media Relations Transport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055

Heather Kaszuba Alberta Transportation Communications Edmonton 780-422-7070 780-717-3913 (cell) To call toll-free within Alberta, dial 310-0000.