Infrastructure projects getting $150M boost announced by Stephen Harper
Funding under Canada 150 infrastructure plan was announced in last month's budget
The $150 million pegged for infrastructure in last month's federal budget will go toward 1,800 projects in communities across Canada, the prime minister says.
Stephen Harper made the announcement during a campaign-style event in Truro, N.S., on Friday.
"Selected" projects are expected to be completed by the end of the 2017 construction season, according to a statement. Harper said the projects will be delivered through regional development agencies.
"The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate the places across this great country that unite and connect us — the parks, the trails, the cultural and community centres," said Harper.
"The infrastructure program being announced today will help preserve and improve these treasured cultural and community locations, allowing Canadians and their families to enjoy moments of sport, recreation, leisure and contemplation for years to come."
The $150 million will be provided under the Canada 150 infrastructure plan.
Harper was joined by Conservative candidate Scott Armstrong, as well as Justice Minister Peter MacKay and Rob Moore, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), for the announcement.
On Thursday night, the prime minister spoke at the Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro.
"The bottom line is this, friends," he said. "And I'm not saying there aren't challenges out there economically, there are, because we're in a difficult world, but the fact of the matter is this: There have never been more Canadians working today that at any time in our history — never more than now."
In April, the country added 47,000 full-time jobs but shed 66,000 part-time positions, indicating a mixed trend in employment.
Nova Scotia lost 3,000 jobs, but the unemployment rate dipped slightly because fewer people are looking for work.
'Everybody's just really upset'
On Thursday, members of federal unions came from as far away as Moncton, N.B., and Sydney, N.S., to let the prime minister know their concerns.
"I think everybody's just really upset about negotiated benefits being stripped away," said David Brush, a corrections worker.
The protesters didn't enter the high school and didn't try to disrupt the meeting.
Music blared as Harper entered the gymnasium packed with 500 people.
The prime minister was quick to take jabs at Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
"If you look at his program, even the Liberal media said his numbers still don't add up. He's off by billions of dollars," Harper told the crowd.
Truro is in a riding that will be hotly contested in the next election.
The Progressive Conservatives' Scott Armstrong will be facing a tough challenge from long-time Tory MP Bill Casey, now running for the Liberals.
The prime minister's wife will be in the riding next week, when she attends a fundraiser with Armstrong in Pugwash.