Edmonton, AB – Today, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), joined the Downtown Edmonton Community League to celebrate the grand opening of their newly renovated facility, which received support under the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“It is with investments in projects such as this that we are helping boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians. This is by no means the largest investment our Government has made in Edmonton, but in collaboration with Edmonton’s community spirit, and tremendous sense of volunteerism, we can work together to continue building this great city,” said MP Laurie Hawn.

Economic Action Plan 2012 promised further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

“I am proud to take part in the grand opening of this beautiful facility, which is a tremendous benefit to our community, bringing families and residents together,” concluded MP Hawn.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence companies and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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OTTAWA, ON – The Honourable Laurie Hawn PC, CD, MP on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, is encouraging local angling, fishing and conservation groups to get their applications in for the newly established Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program (RFCPP). As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will make $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore and protect recreational fisheries habitat.

“Edmonton has countless amateur anglers who enjoy fishing in Alberta’s lakes and rivers. I am pleased our Government is providing assistance to enhance and restore fish habitat that will only heighten their experience,” said MP Hawn.

According to the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, more than 3.3 million adult anglers participated in recreational fishing activities in Canada. These activities contributed a total of $8.3 billion to various local economies in Canadian provinces and territories.

Activities that directly restore recreational fisheries habitat are eligible for RFCPP funding.  For example, the program can fund projects that mitigate streamside practices to improve the quality of recreational fisheries habitat, enhance habitat, manage the areas bordering streams, lakes and wetlands, and enhance connectivity (e.g., barrier removal, enhancing fishways).

The program will consider requests for funding of up to $250,000 per project per year.  Applications can be submitted for new projects as well as projects already up and running that could benefit from additional funding.  In recognition of the importance of a partnership approach, at least 50% of project funding must come from a source other than the federal, provincial, territorial and/or municipal governments.

The Government is now accepting applications for projects to be undertaken over the next two years. Additional information about the program and application forms are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp

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Edmonton, AB – On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, and the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Sherwood Park, and the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $5 million to support the construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Construction of the Centre is expected to be completed by April 2017, the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

“Our nation paid dearly at Vimy Ridge,” said Minister Blaney. “Brave Canadians made an incredible sacrifice that Easter Monday morning in April 1917. Our impressive victory that day was not only felt on the battlefield, but it also helped change the course of the war and define our country. Our Government is proud to be working with the Vimy Foundation to establish a permanent Visitor Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Our mutual goal is to educate all Canadians—and friends of Canada—of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians during the First World War.”

“Our Government is committed to encouraging Canadians, young and old, to remember and honour those who have served our country,” said Minister Uppal. “The establishment of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy Ridge will help all Canadians—and friends of Canada—who visit those sacred grounds to come away with a renewed sense of honour and respect for the great efforts and sacrifices made during the First World War.”

The construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy will be realized through financial support from the Government of Canada and the Vimy Foundation. The Vimy Foundation will raise funds through donations from the private sector and individual Canadians. The Vimy Foundation is a registered Canadian charity with the mission to preserve and promote Canada’s First World War legacy as symbolized with the victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is committed to building a lasting legacy to honour the sacrifices of Canadian Veterans who helped to shape our nation” said Minister Flaherty, while visiting the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. “The construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy honours our commitment to commemorate the courage and sacrifices of Canadians in the First World War.”

“I think often of the sacrifices of fellow Canadians on Vimy Ridge that morning so long ago,” said the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. “Our Government is proud—I am proud—of the efforts to create a permanent place where visitors to Vimy can appreciate the significance of that sacred place to each and every Canadian.”

“Today is a big day for all Canadians,” said Christopher Sweeney, Chair of the Vimy Foundation’s 2017 Committee. “We look forward to working with the federal government and other stakeholders, both in Canada and France, in the lead up to the centennial of Vimy Ridge in 2017. The opening of this education centre will be the highlight of national and international celebrations of what we, as Canadians, accomplished together at Vimy almost 100 years ago. Lest we forget.”

The 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is part of the Road to 2017, a Government of Canada initiative that begins in 2014. The aim of the initiative is to commemorate significant milestones that helped shape Canada, leading up to our nation’s 150^th birthday in 2017. One of these milestones was the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917, which is thought to have been a key turning point in defining the young country as a nation. The battle came at a heavy cost: 100,000 Canadians who fought there suffered approximately 11,000 casualties, nearly 3,600 of them fatal.

To learn more about the Vimy Foundation, please visit vimyfoundation.ca. For more information about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, please visit veterans.gc.ca.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada’s role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.

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Edmonton, AB – Today, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for upgrades to the Spruce Avenue Community Centre under the Canadian Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“Our Government is pleased to support infrastructure projects across the country, such as upgrades to the Spruce Avenue Community Centre in Edmonton,” said MP Hawn. “Investments like this are helping to meet the needs of Canadians, while also boosting economic activity.”

The Government’s investment of $13,046 will support improvements to the Spruce Avenue Community Centre, including upgrades to its lighting, entrance and restrooms. These renovations will enhance the accessibility of the Centre, which is used for a variety of community events and programming.

“Fostering healthy neighbourhoods is a priority for the City of Edmonton and we appreciate the federal government’s contribution to revitalizing this important community resource,” said Kim Krushell, Ward 2 Councillor for the City of Edmonton. “These renovations will ensure the Spruce Avenue Community Centre remains an accessible, thriving facility where present and future residents can gather and connect.”

“The Spruce Avenue Community League would like to express our thanks to the federal government for their support of our project,” said Verna Stainthorp, Secretary Treasurer of the Spruce Avenue Community League. “These funds will improve access at our community center for visitors with limited mobility, helping them to participate and join in activities and community events. This will no doubt enhance their quality of life, as well as benefit their families, caregivers and the community at large.”

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Canadian Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

“I am proud our government continues to support local communities through CIIF, which has provided important funding to a number of community leagues in Edmonton, and across the country,” concluded MP Hawn.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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