MARKHAM – Hon. Peter Kent-Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), M.P. Paul Calandra, Michael Chan, M.P.P. for Markham-Unionville and Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, M.P.P Helena Jaczek and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced Markham has received $8.8M in grants through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The governments of Canada, Ontario and Markham will each contribute $4.4M in funds as part of the conditions of the provincial-federal stimulus program. The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a part of the Building Canada Fund initiative and reflects continuing work and financial partnership among the three levels of government to invest in municipal infrastructure.

“This is a great example of all three levels of government working together for the benefit of local communities during a difficult economic situation”, said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This funding makes a significant contribution to our community and will mean we can accelerate important infrastructure improvements for the benefit of all residents. I am also pleased to see funding support for green initiatives which will support the objectives of Ontario’s Green Energy Act.”

Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) Peter Kent remarked, “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is investing in infrastructure and important community projects. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, key investments such as this one we are making in the Thornhill Community Centre and Library, are helping create jobs and improve the quality of life for families during this challenging economic time in our history.”

"This money will help to create jobs and to create economic stimulus for Markham”, said Paul Calandra, M.P. Oak Ridges-Markham. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, we have worked hard to ensure that jobs are created locally and help stimulate the Canadian economy."

"Under the leadership of Dalton McGuinty, our government is committed to creating jobs and helping Ontario emerge from these difficult economic times with a more modern and greener infrastructure," said Michael Chan,
M.P.P. for Markham-Unionville and Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. "I am pleased that construction-ready infrastructure projects in Markham will benefit significantly with money flowing faster
to get shovels in the ground quickly."

In a joint press conference held at Markham's Civic Centre, Markham, Richmond Hill and the Region of York received infrastructure funding awards from the governments of Canada and Ontario through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The press conference was also attended by Region of York Chair Bill Fisch and Richmond Hill Deputy Mayor Brenda Hogg.