QUÉBEC, Aug. 1, 2015 The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced infrastructure investments totalling $131.1 million in several Parks Canada projects in Quebec.
This major investment includes rehabilitation work in canals across Quebec including Lachine Canal, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal and the Chambly Canal, as well as shore protection and masonry stabilization at Fort Chambly National Historic Site. Several restoration and rehabilitation projects will also be conducted in national parks across the province including La Mauricie, Forillon and Saguenay—St-Laurent Marine Park.
These projects are the result of an unprecedented investment by the Harper Government to support infrastructure work in our national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This investment represents the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 104-year history of Parks Canada, ensuring these cherished places are protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.
Quick Facts
- Last year, more than 21 million visits were made to Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
- Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada's overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.
- On November 24, the prime minister announced the largest infrastructure investment in Parks Canada sites across Canada in the agency's 104-year history. This investment will support infrastructure improvements to heritage, visitor experience, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This is part of a new $5.8 billion federal infrastructure program.
- As our country nears its 150th birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about the major events that have shaped their country's history. Canada's national historic sites enable us to experience our rich history and heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quote
"We are renewing our national parks and national historic sites across the country. The projects announced today are a result of our Government's unprecedented investment in the infrastructure of Canada's precious natural and historic legacy — funds that will boost the appeal of our protected places, create new jobs and support the goals of the National Conservation Plan."
- The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Related Product
Backgrounder: Infrastructure Investments in Quebec
Associated Links
National Conservation Plan
Parks Canada: www.parkscanada.gc.ca
SOURCE Parks Canada
Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media RelationsParks Canada, 1-855-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada
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