Government of Canada Moving Ahead With $64 Million for Clean Water in Ontario – Key Infrastructure Projects are Too Important to Wait…

Perth, Ontario, February 15, 2008 — Scott Reid, Member of Parliament for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington, along with John Baird, Regional Minister for Ontario, announced yesterday that the federal government is moving ahead with $64 million in funding for clean water in Ontario.

“I know that protecting and preserving our environment is a priority for Ontarians and for the federal Government,” said Reid. “Our Government has been a willing partner at the table to sign a top-up agreement, yet the province of Ontario has been stalling and delaying for over a year to sign on to the $64 million Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Premier McGuinty should be ashamed for playing politics with this important funding that my constituents have been calling for.”

Funding for water and wastewater projects comes from the $200 million announced in February 2007, to top up the nation-wide Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Ontario’s share of funding is $64 million.

Since the announcement of this additional funding, the Government of Canada has signed top-up agreements with every province and territory except Ontario. Today, the Government of Canada announced it is proceeding full-steam ahead, with or without the McGuinty Government to deliver this funding directly to municipalities.

“Our Government understands that Ontarians want clean water, safer streets and healthier communities, said Minister Baird. “That’s why today, we’re taking action.”

For more information or to speak with Mr. Reid
Please call (613) 257-8130 or (613) 947-2277.

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