Minister Valcourt Discusses Economic Priorities Before the Rivière-du-Loup RCM Chamber of Commerce

RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP, QC, Jan. 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today made the following statement after his speech before the Rivière-du-Loup RCM Chamber of Commerce.

"It was a great pleasure to discuss our government's achievements and economic priorities before the Rivière-du-Loup RMC Chamber of Commerce today.

I discussed our commitment to support the prosperity of Canadians, and to promote business investments, economic growth and job creation across the country.

Our government has announced new measures that will put considerable sums of money back into the pockets of Canadian families. In particular, we have doubled the Children's Fitness Tax Credit and have made it refundable. We have also proposed a new Family Tax Cut, as well as an increase and expansion to the Universal Child Care Benefit and an increase in the maximum dollar limits for the Child Care Expense Deduction. All families with children will benefit from these new measures. The average tax relief and benefits for these families will be $1,140 in 2015.

Through major infrastructure projects under the New Building Canada Fund and other infrastructure projects and investments, the government contributes billions of dollars to supporting projects in communities across the country. These road, bridge, transport network, airport and rail service projects create tens of thousands of new jobs.

The conclusion of free trade negotiations with both the European Union and Korea, together with substantial efforts to boost job training, Canada's digital connectivity and research, innovation and the commercialization of ideas will also help generate job growth in Canada for years to come.

We have continued to live within our means, and we are on course to eliminate the deficit and promote efficiency. As a result, we are now on our way to balancing the budget in 2015, as promised without compromising priority services provided to Canadians.

Our Government is also committed to working with First Nations for healthier and more self-sufficient communities by encouraging their full participation in Canada's political, social and economic areas.

Our Government is also making new investments totalling $5.8 billion to set up or improve federal infrastructure, including $500 million that will be used to improve educational infrastructure in First Nation communities.

The country's economic prosperity depends, in many ways, on the participation of First Nation communities in the Canadian economy. This is why I am proud of the $7.3 million in funding granted under the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough, which supports Aboriginal participation in mining sectors in Northern Quebec. Over 30 projects have been funded through this initiative. 

In order to create a stable climate that allows for investment by private partners, we have introduced the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. This legislation has made financial information more accessible to First Nation members, providing for more effective, transparent and responsible governance.

The participation of First Nations is important for the successful development of Quebec and Canada. Our Government is determined to enable First Nations members and Northerners to share fully in opportunities for economic development and prosperity."

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Minister's Office, Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.