FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES – News Release
OTTAWA, May 11 /CNW Telbec/ – Statement by Jean Perrault, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Mayor of Sherbrooke, Que:
“FCM welcomes today’s launch of the Recreational Infrastructure Canada RInC) program.RInC will create thousands of jobs across the country on projects that repair aging recreation facilities. With speedy project approvals, RInC can get funding to front-line infrastructure projects quickly enough to put shovels in the ground this construction season.
Not only will that help boost the economy, but it will deliver ongoing health and social benefits to cities and communities across the country. Quality hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other recreation facilities keep Canadians active, bring members of the community together, and give our children access to healthy pastimes.
The launch of RInC, and the addition of recreational infrastructure as an eligible category under the Building Canada Fund, opens the door to an increased federal role in building healthy, physically active cities and communities.
Almost half of Canadians are overweight or obese. One in 10 children is overweight, and the trend is growing. This has serious consequences,because excess weight is linked to many diseases and to premature death. Because one of the leading causes of obesity and related health problems is lack of physical activity, one of the most important ways to combat obesity and ensure the health and well-being of citizens is to enable physical activity.
Participation in sport and recreation is also widely accepted as a powerful contributor to personal and social development, particularly for individuals deemed to be ‘at risk.’ An increase in sport activity can result in better performance in school, reduced crime rates and reduced use of illicit drugs.
As project proposals are submitted and reviewed for RInC funding, the federal government must continue its efforts to secure cost-sharing agreements with every province and territory. Municipalities welcome the federal government’s commitment to provide one-third of project funding,but this funding must leverage matching contributions from provinces and territories so that municipal stimulus projects receive adequate funding.Under a full and fair funding partnership, municipalities can put the RInC program to work creating jobs and improving recreation facilities in all parts of the country.”
For further information:
http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/home.asp
Contact Maurice Gingues at 613-907-6395, [email protected]