Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Cooper Marsh

Lancaster, Ontario

April 7, 2014

Check against delivery

Hello. Bonjour. Thank you Guy for that kind introduction.

C'est un grand plaisir d'être ici avec vous aujourd'hui.

I know Guy does a great job promoting the economic interests of this area, both as your local Member of Parliament and Caucus Chair.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, friends and honoured guests.

It is my pleasure to be here today in Lancaster, at this great facility, nestled on the picturesque north shore of Lake St. Francis.

I am told that Cooper Marsh is home to over 130 species of birds—it is a man-made marsh—and it is the proud legacy of the late Mr. William Cooper Sr. And I know this cherished wetland is part of the larger Charlottenburgh Marsh—one of the most significant wetlands in all of Ontario.

This visitors' centre, the connecting trails of boardwalks, the viewing platforms, and the surrounding wetlands, all  play an important role in this community.

Recreation areas like this are the foundation of our communities—bringing families and residents together.

Our Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, or CIIF, was introduced as part of Economic Action Plan 2012. I am pleased to be seeing the results of this Fund right here in Lancaster and across all of Ontario, as we celebrate important milestones like this one,

Community facilities provide places for families, friends and neighbours to gather together. By helping to improve these facilities, we are helping our communities grow and making them better places to live, work and play.

Here in Lancaster, the Cooper Marsh is an important part of community life. Residents enjoy the educational programs run here by the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences.Thousands of bird-watchers and naturalists visit to view the wide variety of wildlife; and the wildlife can enjoy the safety and protection this habitat offers.

That's exactly why our Government was proud to provide an investment of up to $125,726 through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. This contribution allowed the Cooper Marsh to rebuild, widen, and lengthen the boardwalks which trail through the marshlands, as well as build new viewing platforms, improving the experience for all visitors, including those with accessibility needs.

This investment is not only enhancing the experience and services delivered locally, but it also supports the creation of jobs, growth, andlong-term prosperity for Lancaster.

Visitors to the Cooper Marsh, will no doubt, also visit the other areas of Lancaster and surrounding communities of Cornwall and eastern Ontario. This increase in tourism to the area is good for the local economy and helps increase prosperity.

Our Government's investment through FedDev Ontario in the Cooper Marsh project has elevated this unique location into a prime tourist attraction for viewing a wetland. When we improve facilities such as the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, we are strengthening our communities, and by strengthening our communities, we are building a prosperous southern Ontario.

Infrastructure projects are important because they enrich our communities across the country. We recognize this and continue to make strategic infrastructure investments which make a difference.

As you know, Economic Action Plan 2014 builds on the commitment made in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support provincial, territorial, and municipal infrastructure projects across Canada.

We are moving forward with the new Building Canada Plan, the largest long-term federal commitment to Canadian infrastructure in our nation's history, with $53 billion allocated over the next 10 years.

One part of the Building Canada Plan of interest to us today is the Community Improvement Fund, which will provide over $32 billion to municipalities for projects such as roads, public transit and recreational facilities. The new Fund incorporates the Gas Tax Fund and the incremental GST Rebate for municipalities and its name now reflects its true purpose—improving communities for Canadians.

Together, we are creating the right conditions for growth and prosperity in our communities. In turn, vibrant communities like Lancaster are the building blocks for a thriving Ontario, and a stronger Canada.

Thank you. Merci.