News Release

May 9, 2003

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE $30 MILLION FOR EXPANSION OF OTTAWA CONGRESS CENTRE

OTTAWA, Ontario - Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance John Manley and Mr. Mauril Bélanger, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier announced today that the Government of Canada is willing to match the Province of Ontario's contribution to the cost of expanding the Ottawa Congress Centre, up to a maximum of $30 million. The Ottawa Congress Centre is planning to expand from a 67, 800 square feet facility to 194, 600 square feet. This would make it the fourth largest convention centre in Canada.

"I am very pleased to announce the Government of Canada's support for this important project. It will generate economic benefits for the Ottawa region, the Province of Ontario, and for the country as a whole as it will help promote Canada's capital as a destination of choice for business and leisure travel," said Minister Rock. "It's another example of how federal infrastructure investments of some $12 billion over the last decade have leveraged almost $30 billion in total investments."

"This is an important announcement for the City of Ottawa," stated Minister Manley. "The Ottawa Congress Centre expansion will promote international and national business as well as tourism in Ottawa and provide more job opportunities in the region."

Mauril Bélanger echoed similar sentiments. "The Government of Canada and Members of Parliament of the National Capital Region have once again demonstrated their commitment to the economic and social well-being of the nation's capital. I am extremely pleased to see the Government of Canada participate in the economic development of Ottawa's tourism industry through its infrastructure fund."

The City of Ottawa has also identified additional infrastructure priorities such as rapid transit, and the Government of Canada is well aware of, and interested in, Ottawa's rapid transit project. The Ottawa Congress Centre proposal, however, is advanced to the point where a financial commitment by the federal government can be made at this time. The Government of Canada is committed to working with the City of Ottawa and the Province of Ontario over the weeks and months ahead to continue discussions regarding other very important infrastructure priorities for the Ottawa region such as rapid transit.

The 2002 Speech from the Throne committed the Government of Canada to an additional 10-year involvement in public infrastructure giving cities like Ottawa a solid planning horizon. This long-term commitment was reaffirmed in Budget 2003 by providing an additional $3 billion for strategic and municipal infrastructure. With the $5.25 billion in infrastructure programs announced in Budgets 2000 and 2001, the Government of Canada's recent investments in the nation's infrastructure are now over $8 billion.

The $2 billion Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund was established in 2001 and is directed to large-scale projects of major national and regional significance in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life for Canadians. Through this program, the Government of Canada collaborates with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as with the private sector, to invest in strategic infrastructure projects across the country. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget and is built into the existing fiscal framework.

Contacts:

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

Mike Scandiffio
Office of Deputy Prime Minister Manley
(613) 952-4900

Anne Ménard
Office of Mr. Bélanger
(613) 992-4766

Communications
Infrastructure Canada
(613) 948-1148

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