Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

Bow Habitat Station Funding Announcement and Donor Recognition Event

Corresponding Document: News Release (2010-06-21)

Check Against Delivery

Thank you Bruce [emcee].

Good evening everyone.

It is a pleasure to be here today on behalf of the Government of Canada.

I would like to begin by acknowledging my fellow platform guests:

• The Honourable Ralph Klein, former Premier of Alberta;
• The Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Alberta Finance and Enterprise; and
• Mr. Lloyd Horn, President of the Bow Habitat Station Volunteer Society

Since opening last fall, Bow Habitat Station has been providing visitors of all ages with unique opportunities to explore and learn about Alberta’s natural environment.

One of the keys to making the initiative a success has been the unwavering commitment of the many volunteers and donors who have helped develop this special attraction into an exciting and engaging place for all Albertans.

The Bow Habitat Station Volunteer Society, in particular, has played a vital role in making the vision of the Bow Habitat Station a reality through its ongoing dedication to enhancing awareness of Alberta’s aquatic ecosystem.

Today, I am pleased to announce that our Government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is investing $243,591 dollars towards supporting the Bow Habitat Station Volunteer Society to take yet another important step in strengthening this attraction an accessible and dynamic venue for generations to come.

Federal funding is directed towards the development of a walking path that will surround a catch and release trout pond.
The construction of this pathway not only creates immediate jobs, but it makes fishing at the pond accessible to everyone in the community and further encourages physical activity.

 This project is funded through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, also known as RInC.

Over a two-year period, we are investing $500 million dollars to improve recreational infrastructure in communities across the country, including 718 projects right here in Western Canada.

And while Canada is already showing signs of recovery, the recovery is fragile.

Just as the Government of Canada is committed to completing its Economic Action Plan spending, we are equally committed to addressing significant fiscal pressures with the deficit.

This is why our recent Jobs and Growth budget includes a three point plan to bring the budget back to balance.

Rising to the challenge of the worst economic downturn in half a century, everyone has worked together to keep people working, and to ensure a speedy, robust, and durable recovery.

Our Jobs and Growth budget aims to contribute to this recovery and sustain Canada’s economic advantage now and for the future.
On behalf of the Government of Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada, I would like to thank all of the partners and supporters who are continuing to make this project a reality.

Together we are all working to build a stronger West for a stronger Canada.

Thank you.