ADDRESS BY PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRÉTIEN ANNOUNCING A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN THE CLEAN UP OF ST. JOHN'S HARBOUR

November 4, 2002
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

I am delighted to be here today in the beautiful city of St. John's to announce an important partnership effort that will improve the environment and help create jobs for the citizens of Newfoundland.

Modern infrastructure is key to our economic success. Provincial premiers from coast to coast to coast have urged me to support the infrastructure necessary to sustainable and healthy communities. They have told me that they need our help so that they can plan for the long term. That we all need to work together -- federal government, provinces and the municipalities -- on smart urban design. And that we all need to work together to protect the environment. We have heard them.

My good friend Premier Grimes has stressed the need for federal assistance in the clean-up of your Harbour. I want to thank him for his efforts and for those of his team. He is a good lobbyist. Minister Gerry Byrne has also been vocal on this project. He too is a good lobbyist for Newfoundland.

The Mayor of St. John's, Andy Wells, Dave Denine of Mount Pearl, and Dianne Whalen of Paradise are here today. I want them to know that their advocacy has also been heard.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the determination and partnership of your municipal, provincial and federal elected officials have led to today's announcement. For that they should be commended.

Over the years, I have known many Newfoundlanders. They are all great public speakers. I have heard Minister Byrne in the House of Commons. He's good. And, Premier Grimes, well he is too. They are so good, they wanted to help me make this announcement. They decided to do it a little before me. But that's ok, I guess. They are excited about this success.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am nonetheless formally announcing that the Government of Canada will be making a $31-million contribution to the St. John's Harbour Clean-up. Our portion will flow from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and matches funding provided by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the City of St. John's, Mount Pearl and Paradise. You know what I am talking about. You have a beautiful harbour. But as the people of St. John's know all too well, it is not that clean. It has been a serious problem.

But we are going to change that. We are going to attack this problem of sewage that has for so long plagued the harbour. We will burst what you call the "bubble." We are going to ensure that it -- and the pollution it brings -- becomes only a memory. We are going to do this for the sake of better health. For the health of the local economy. And to restore the natural appeal of a wonderful setting.

I have asked the Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, Allan Rock, who I am glad is here with me today, to finalize the agreement. I have asked him to work quickly with the province. I know he will do a good job.

Ladies and Gentlemen, competitive cities and healthy communities are vital to Canada's future prosperity. This requires strong industries and sustainable approaches. Our 21st century agenda is about maximizing opportunity for all Canadians, being on the cutting-edge of innovation, including new environmental technologies. It is about strengthened partnerships and a smart urban strategy. We will continue our work with the province on key projects that need federal support. It is for this reason that we made a commitment in the Speech from the Throne to a 10 year infrastructure program. And we will continue to support green projects like this one.

Communities across the province are benefiting from the partnership of your government. Through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Infrastructure Agreement, we have invested $20 million. That's more than 200 projects. By 2007, we will have contributed upwards of $50 million, and generated investments of over $150 million across the province. And, we have made close to $30 million available for improvements to the Newfoundland and Labrador section of the Trans-Canada Highway. This means good jobs for Newfoundland. And, it means a more prosperous future.

In the Speech from the Throne, our government committed to making the environment a priority. To ensure that it is liveable and clean for future generations. We have announced 10 new parks. 5 new marine conservation areas. We are acting on clean water. And we will ensure that we address the issue of climate change for our children and for our grandchildren. The announcement today shows how well we do when we work together. When we roll up our sleeves to tackle the tough problems that matter to future generations, we can succeed.

Ladies and Gentlemen, for the people of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and indeed all of Canada, this is a great day. We can all leave here proud, knowing that through partnerships we are improving the quality of life for ourselves, our communities, our children. Next time I visit, perhaps Premier Grimes and I will have a swimming race in the cleaned up harbour.

Thank you very much.

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