Government of Canada invests in federal buildings

October 01, 2009

The Government of Canada is investing in key infrastructure projects across the country - using the jobs we are creating today to build a lasting legacy of sound infrastructure for the future. Federal Labour Minister Rona Ambrose today underlined investments of over $800,000 for repair and restoration work in federal buildings and facilities across Alberta.

"Our Government's top priority is protecting Canada's economy. Investing in our federal buildings is just one way we are creating opportunities for local businesses here in Alberta and across the country," said Minister Ambrose. "With eighty seven percent of year-one contracts to repair and renovate Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)-owned buildings issued in just six months, this Government is turning our short-term challenges into long-term strengths."

The Government of Canada, through PWGSC, is investing over $800,000 to repair and renovate government facilities, including federal buildings in Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge. Projects include roof replacements, electrical repairs, exterior mortar work, paving and fire protection upgrades. These projects are expected to provide work opportunities for over 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across the country.

"This Government is leveraging the most significant infrastructure investment in recent memory to protect the jobs we have while helping those hardest hit get back to work," added Minister Ambrose. "We are staying the course, implementing Canada's Economic Action Plan to ensure our country comes out of this global recession stronger and better off than when we went in."

Contracting opportunities are open to all companies and are posted regularly on MERXTM, the government's electronic tendering system. The Government of Canada is investing $12 billion in new infrastructure funding for roads, bridges, broadband Internet access, electronic health records, laboratories and border crossings across Canada.

For more information on the Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.