MP Gerald Keddy encourages applications for federal funding to protect recreational fisheriesJune 18, 2013,Ottawa, ON (June 18, 2013) – Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, is encouraging local angling, fishing and conservation groups to get their applications in for the newly established Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program. As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will make $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore and protect recreational fisheries habitat.
“Recreational fishing is not only a cherished pastime for millions of Canadians, but also an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year,” said MP Keddy.
“The program will support the sustainability and ongoing productivity of Canada’s recreational fisheries by bringing like-minded partners together and pooling their resources to support the common goal of conserving and protecting Canada’s recreational fisheries. The partnership approach will make the most of joint resources, allowing results that would not otherwise be possible.”
The Government is now accepting applications for projects to be undertaken over the next two years. Additional information about the program and application forms is available on the Department’s website at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp
The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security.
BACKGROUNDER
Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP) was developed to support projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations, aimed at improving the conservation of recreational fisheries habitat.
The program will support the sustainability and ongoing productivity of Canada’s recreational fisheries by bringing like-minded partners together and pooling their resources to support the common goal of conserving and protecting Canada’s recreational fisheries. The partnership approach will make the most of joint resources, allowing results that would not otherwise be possible.
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has a $10 million budget. Funds will be allocated through a competitive process. During year one (2013-14), $4 million will be made available for eligible projects, and during year two (2014-15), $6 million will be made available for eligible projects.
What types of projects are eligible?
Activities that directly restore recreational fisheries habitat are eligible for RFCPP funding. For example, the program can fund projects that mitigate streamside practices to improve the quality of recreational fisheries habitat, enhance habitat, manage the areas bordering streams, lakes and wetlands, and enhance connectivity (e.g., barrier removal, enhancing fishways). The program does not fund commercial fisheries, hatcheries, stocking programs, education programs or regulatory partnerships.
The program will consider requests for funding of up to $250,000 per project per year. Applications can be submitted for new projects as well as projects already up and running that could benefit from additional funding. In recognition of the importance of a partnership approach, at least 50% of project funding must come from a source other than the federal, provincial, territorial and/or municipal governments.
How does my organization apply?
The program’s Application Guidelines provide detailed information on program eligibility, requirements and how to complete the Application Form. Both documents are found on the RFCPP Website (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp).
Application forms and supporting documents must be submitted by July 12, 2013 to access year one (2013-14) funding. Each proposal received will be screened for eligibility and completeness. Those that pass the screening will then be evaluated against national criteria including: the expected longevity of project results; clarity, thoroughness and soundness of the proposed work plan, budget and expected results; number of partners; evidence of leveraging; value for money; and expected performance results. Announcements to acknowledge successful applicants will follow.-
Forties community centre completes exterior upgrades with support from the government of CanadaMay 29, 2013,
NEW ROSS, NS – may 29, 2013 - The Forties Community Centre recently completed exterior upgrades, including siding, insulation and gutters, with support from the Government of Canada. Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, was proud to announce today the Government of Canada’s support for this project.
“Our Government is committed to modernizing community infrastructure and the Forties Community Centre has long been a focal point of activity for residents of New Ross and surrounding areas,” said MP Keddy, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Projects such as these improve the quality of life for families and strengthen the foundation of a working, prosperous community here in New Ross.”
The Government of Canada invested $28,000 towards the exterior upgrades through ACOA’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The investment supported renovations to the exterior walls and siding.
The Nova Scotia government has also contributed $10,000 to this project.
“Facilities like the Forties Community Centre are significant spaces for residents to gather for learning, socializing and community building,” said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Community Services and MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Leonard Preyra. “The Nova Scotia Government, through its Community Jobs and Facilities Improvement Program, continues to support centres and public spaces like Forties that provide a better quality of life for Nova Scotians.”
The project has also received an $8,000 investment from the Municipality of the District of Chester.
“These external upgrades will ensure that the Forties Community Centre can continue to meet the recreation and entertainment needs of people in our region for years to come,” said Allen Webber, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Chester. “We are pleased to support a project that will enhance the experience and services provided by this facility”.
The Forties Community Centre hosts a variety of community events in New Ross throughout the year including dinners, crib tournaments and craft fairs.
“These upgrades have given a new face to a facility that has always been dedicated to enhancing the lives of the people of this region,” said Phillip Broome, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Forties Community Centre. “As a result, the greatness that exists within our centre can now be reflected on the outside.”
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MP Gerald Keddy announces New Horizons for Seniors funding for the Shelburne County Arena AssociationMay 13, 2013,
Bridgewater, NS (May 13, 2013) - Seniors in Shelburne County will soon have access to accessible washrooms at the Shelburne County Arena, thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).
“The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of seniors, and is proud to support local organizations with the same goal,” said Mr. Keddy. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”
The Shelburne County Arena Association is receiving $25,000 to install accessible washrooms. Improved accessibility of this facility will assist in increasing the social participation and inclusion of seniors by allowing the Association to continue to offer Old Timer’s hockey, senior skating and community events.
“The Shelburne County Arena Association is pleased to partner with the Federal Government and others to continue making significant improvements to the Shelburne arena,” said Tony Mahaney, President of the Shelburne County Arena Association. “Through programs like the New Horizons program we can continue to make the facility a more accessible facility that the entire community can use for recreation social gathering and so much more.”
Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12,200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $33 million in funding for approximately 1,750 community projects.
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Construction well underway on lunenburg county’s new lifestyle centreMay 13, 2013,
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, May 13, 2013 – Residents in Lunenburg County are eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the new Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, as it will provide more opportunities to get fit and stay active. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and for the Atlantic Gateway and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s; Gary Ramey, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lunenburg West; Don Zwicker, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg; His Worship David Walker, Mayor of the Town of Bridgewater; and Paul Belliveau, Chair of Lunenburg County Multi-Purpose Centre Board of Directors, gathered today to witness progress at the facility’s construction site.
The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be a year-round sport, recreational and cultural facility. It will include an aquatic centre accommodating leisure and competitive users, a therapeutic pool, a public library and other multi-purpose spaces, including administrative offices, community and cultural spaces and areas capable of hosting meetings, exercise classes, senior citizens’ activities and many other functions.
“Our government is proud to invest in significant infrastructure projects like this one, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities here in Nova Scotia, and across Canada,” said Parliamentary Secretary Gerald Keddy. “We recognize the importance of supporting infrastructure investments that offer countless opportunities for residents to get active and participate in community events for years to come.”
“By supporting facilities and organizations, we’re supporting Nova Scotians to lead healthier, more active lives,” said Gary Ramey, ministerial assistant for Health and Wellness. “The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will soon be a hive of healthy activity for families in this area of the South Shore, from swimming and skating to enjoying a good book in the library.”
Paul Belliveau, Chair of the Lunenburg County Multi-Purpose Centre Board of Directors, the governing body of the Lifestyle Centre, agrees. “Our community has a major need for a facility such as this and we are looking forward to its opening to help improve the wellness of our community from both a personal and economic perspective. The LCLC will provide people with a reason to move to our area and will also give people a reason to stay in our area.”
The total project cost is estimated at $34.1 million, with the Government of Canada providing up to one-third of the eligible costs to a maximum of $10.18 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. The Government of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Health and Wellness, is providing $10 million to the project, with the communities from Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg contributing a total of $13.9 million.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 910,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, supports Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
