Countdown to G8 Summit Begins

HUNTSVILLE, Ontario, June 25, 2009 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound–Muskoka, kicked off the one-year countdown to the start of the G8 Summit and announced four new projects under the G8 Infrastructure Fund.

“In one year, our region will be host to the world's leaders, delegates, invited nations and the media,” said Minister Clement. “The projects I am announcing today will ensure that Parry Sound–Muskoka is seen at its best.”

Today, the Government of Canada announced more than $1.25 million from the G8 Infrastructure Fund that will support projects in Burk's Falls, Kearney, Lake of Bays and Perry. To allow sufficient time to complete construction projects before the Summit, the G8 Fund application intake is now closed. Projects submitted before the closing date are still in the process of being reviewed.

In addition to these new projects, the Government of Canada has committed more than $20 million in funding for the G8 Centre in Huntsville, including an addition that will serve as a research facility for the University of Waterloo once the Summit has concluded.

The $50-million G8 Legacy Infrastructure Fund was founded in February 2009 and is dedicated to projects that will create a lasting legacy for the Parry Sound–Muskoka area. This strategy of prudent short-term stimulus for longer term benefit corresponds with Canada's Economic Action Plan to strengthen Northern Ontario communities.

A backgrounder outlining all major G8 Infrastructure Fund projects will be available on the Industry Canada website later today.

The 2010 G8 Summit will generate significant economic benefits for the region and the province and will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to shine on the world stage.

The G8 is composed of eight of the world's leading economic powers: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The annual summit is an opportunity for the leaders of the G8 countries to meet face to face and develop common approaches to current challenges facing the world.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

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June 25, 2009

Backgrounder
2010 G8 Summit

G8 Background

The G8 is an informal group of eight of the world's leading economic powers: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The annual summit is a chance for the leaders of the G8 countries to meet face to face and develop common approaches to urgent challenges facing the world.

The first summit, with six countries participating, was held in 1975 in Rambouillet, France. A year later, the group expanded to include Canada. Russia joined the summit process in 1997. The G8 has evolved from a forum dealing largely with macroeconomic issues to an annual meeting with a broad-based agenda addressing a wide range of international economic, political and social issues.

G8 membership enables Canada to pursue its broad foreign and economic policy agenda and interests with key countries and to help shape global developments on a range of issues, including responses to global crises.

Huntsville 2010 G8 Summit Background

Canada will host the 2010 G8 Summit in Huntsville, Ontario, in the heart of Muskoka. The area was chosen after a study by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada deemed that the 800-acre Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville would be an excellent site for the event.

The location was chosen based on the need for appropriate accommodation and meeting facilities, good transportation links (including proximity to major airports) and acceptable security conditions. The study took costs into account, as well as the prospect of minimal disruption for local residents and businesses.

Canada's past experience hosting the G8 Summit has shown there are substantial short-term economic benefits for the host community and surrounding region in addition to long-term tourism-related benefits resulting from international media exposure. The 2002 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, generated an estimated $300 million in short-term regional economic benefits.

G8 Infrastructure Fund Background

The $50-million G8 Legacy Infrastructure Fund was founded in February 2009 and is dedicated to legacy projects in the Parry Sound–Muskoka area. This strategy corresponds with Canada's Economic Action Plan to strengthen Northern Ontario communities.

Projects Announced on June 25 (figures are for federal contribution only)

Renovation of Allister Johnston Bridge, Main Street and Town Centre, Kearney	$730 000
Downtown entranceway improvements, Burk's Falls	$150 000
Upgrades to 10 kilometres of roadway, Perry	$100 000
Improvements to band shell and new public washrooms, Lake of Bays	$274 850

Select Projects Previously Announced (figures are for federal contribution only)

Expansion of Huntsville Centennial Centre to create G8 Centre, Huntsville	$16.7 million
Expansion of Summit Management Office, Huntsville	$9 million
Improvements to North Bay Jack Garland International Airport, North Bay	$5 million
Reconstruction of Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville	$2.4 million
Downtown improvements, Gravenhurst	$1.2 million
Gateway feature signage, Port Severn	$1 million
Streetscaping and park improvements, Port Severn	$1 million
Various civic improvements, Sundridge	$750 000
Upgrades to James and Seguin streets, Parry Sound	$700 000
Bala Falls Road upgrades, Muskoka Lakes	$400 000
Upgrades to Highway 11	$300 000
Tourism signage, Muskoka Lakes	$250 000
Civic improvements, Parry Sound	$194 000
Gateway signage, Bracebridge	$150 000