Regina, SK – Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in Bethune. Funding for this investment is being provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Our Government’s investment in the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is creating jobs for Canadians, while encouraging greater participation in physical education and the use of recreational facilities,” said Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre. “Investing in the Bethune Community Sports Centre will help the government stimulate the economy, enhance services and the lives of local families, and contribute to the health and quality of life of all Canadians.”

The Bethune Community Sports Centre will receive a $40,000 investment from the Provincial and Federal Governments to construct a women's dressing room and referee room for the hockey arena. This money will provide a timely, targeted stimulus to the economy while benefiting the people of Bethune.

“Through this investment our government is helping to ensure the facility’s long-term vitality,” said Thunder Creek MLA Lyle Stewart.  “Local arenas are often the hub of communities like Bethune, and by providing this funding we are improving the quality of life for its residents.”     

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.

RInC is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada’s multi-faceted stimulus plan that will ensure a quick recovery from the current economic downturn. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the initiative in the four western provinces.

For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.