News Release

August 09, 2002

ALLAN ROCK RELEASES PARAMETERS FOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

OTTAWA, Ontario - Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Infrastructure, today released the parameters for the $2 billion Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the $600 million Border Infrastructure Fund announced in Budget 2001.

"The new Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund had been structured to be more flexible for all regions of the country and better respond to the needs of Canadians and their communities -- whether rural or urban," said Minister Rock. "The Government of Canada will now seek partnerships across Canada to manage major infrastructure projects in five key categories."

Similarly, the Border Infrastructure Fund has been designed to support the initiatives in the Smart Border Action Plan by reducing border congestion, improving the flow of goods and services and expanding infrastructure capacity over the medium term.

"Seventy percent of Canada-U.S. truck traffic goes through just six crossing points," said Minister Rock. "As a result, the majority of the Border Infrastructure Fund will be invested in Windsor, Sarnia, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie in Ontario; Douglas, British Columbia; and Lacolle, Quebec. These projects will amplify the benefits of Government investments in border security made earlier this year."

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister John Manley consulted widely on both the Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund. The program parameters released today are a result of Minister Manley's work. With his ongoing responsibility for Border Security, Minister Manley will continue to play a key role in the Border Infrastructure Fund.

"I welcome the opportunity to move this program forward as quickly as possible," said Minister Rock.

Government officials have been mandated to formalize discussions with potential partners with a view to identifying large-scale infrastructure projects quickly.

Border Infrastructure Fund
Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

Contacts:

Selena Beattie
Press Secretary
Office of Allan Rock
(613) 995-9001

Director of Communications
Infrastructure Canada
(613) 948-1148

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