FedNor Minister: More money 'found' for new projects

The new bridge plaza will go ahead despite cost over-runs and the door is still open to a harbour development in Sault Ste. Marie, says Treasury Board President and Minister responsible for FedNor Tony Clement.

After a speech to the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce this morning, Clement told reporters that additional funds have been found in the Federal Budget announced recently and is earmarked for new infrastructure funding.

A portion of those funds will be set aside for FedNor to develop new infrastructure projects, one of which could be a harbour in Sault Ste. Marie.

While the minister said it was too soon to commit to the project, he is fully aware of its importance to the Sault and area.

In reference to the budget, Clement said it is a document that looks at Canada's economic future for the next generation or two.

He said it focuses on stimulating economic growth on a longterm basis by focusing on innovation, job creation and ensuring Canadian companies have access to the global markets.

"Prosperity is linked to reaching beyond our borders," Clement said.

To that end, the Conservative Government of Canada has made new trade agreements with nine countries, renewed agreements with 10 countries, and is in talks to create agreements with another 10. 

He said the goals of making Canada a tarriff-free zone for the manufacturing sector, reducing red tape and taxes, and streamlining government administration have been realized by this budget and other measures the government has taken, and this will make it easier for business to grow and grow the economy.

After a necessary time of spending on economic stimulation during what he called, 'the great recession', it's time to curtail spending and work toward balancing the budget.

A goal this budget will be realized by 2016, Clement said.

He also talked about mega-projects like the Ring of Fire in the area of natural resources sector.

"We cannot have these projects tied up for ten years," he said. "Yes, we must go through the environmental assessments, the community consultations, and the consultations with the First Nations; but, we cannot let these things tie up these projects."

Clement also talked about the steel and alternative energy sectors, saying there are incentives to grow in these particular areas that will benefit Sault Ste. Marie.