December 03, 2010

OTTAWA –  Member of Parliament Leon Benoit is pleased to update those involved in organizations in Vegreville-Wainwright constituency which received funding under certain infrastructure programs.  “Our government has responded to requests for an extension on the deadline to complete projects approved under the Economic Action Plan infrastructure projects programs,” Benoit explains.

Although the vast majority of projects will be completed by the original deadline, a small number have been delayed for a variety of reasons. Following consultations with provincial/territorial partners, the Government of Canada responded and has decided to extend the construction deadline on infrastructure projects under four funding programs: the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Building Canada Fund Communities Component Top-Up, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. The deadline has been extended by one full construction season – until October 31st, 2011.

"I want to ensure all constituents are aware of the Government’s announced  seven-month extension to the deadline for the completion of Economic Action Plan infrastructure projects funded under these four programs for another construction year,” Benoit reports. “This will allow those who had trouble meeting the deadline time to complete the project and still qualify for the government funding. There is no new funding or government spending involved in this decision.”

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is a timely, targeted, and temporary plan to create jobs and support families during the worst global recession since the Second World War,” explains Benoit. “And, we are very pleased that 90% of infrastructure projects under the Plan are set to be completed by the original deadline of March 31, 2011.”

Benoit points out that there are some stipulations to qualify for the extension. For example:

• work must have begun on the project;
• it must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011; and
• claims for all expenses incurred up to this date must be submitted by April 30, 2011.

“This is a one-time extension,” cautions Benoit. “The federal government will not share in any costs after this date, and proponents will be required to complete projects at their own expense. Our Conservative Government is committed to ensuring that the stimulus program is completed in a timely fashion, and that Canada returns to balanced budgets in a timely manner.”

More information on the conditions for project extensions can be found at:
www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca/creating-creation/ext-pro-eng.html