The Harper Government today released the Seventh Report to Canadians on the Implementation of the Economic Action Plan.  The report was released by Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, who was joined by Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors).

“The Economic Action Plan continues to create jobs and economic growth with more than 26,000 projects underway or completed,” said Minister Flaherty. “With the economic recovery still fragile, our top priority will continue to be the economy.”

The Report to Canadians says the Economic Action Plan is on track to deliver $28 billion in stimulus in its second year. These investments will provide long-lasting benefits to Canadians through a modernized, greener infrastructure, a renewed science and research base, a highly skilled workforce, lower taxes and a more competitive business environment.

“While the first phase of our Government’s extraordinary response is nearing its end, our Economic Action Plan will continue to play an enormous role in achieving the economic potential of this country and increasing the living standards of Canadian families well into the future,” said Minister Flaherty.
Minister Flaherty cited several key statistics to highlight the progress made in implementing the Plan’s first phase:

More than 26,000 projects have been completed or are underway under the Economic Action Plan. These projects have put Canadians to work across the country and have contributed to a strong labour market recovery, with close to 400,000 jobs created since July 2009.
Close to 85 per cent of the jobs created since July 2009 have been full-time jobs and more than 90 per cent have been high quality jobs in high wage industries.

The Report to Canadians noted the Government has also shown flexibility in allowing its partners an additional construction season beyond the March 31, 2011 deadline to complete their infrastructure projects under four stimulus funds.

“It’s clear to me that Canada’s Economic Action Plan has played a significant role in promoting growing optimism in Canada’s future,” said Minister Fantino. “Our government’s job-creating, low-tax plan for the economy is helping to keep Vaughan families—and indeed, our entire country—strong and growing.” 

The Report was released today at the Earth Rangers Centre in Vaughan, Ontario, an Economic Action Plan funded award-winning facility that serves as a global demonstration site for sustainable technologies and green building operation. 

The Harper Government allocated funding of more than $2.5 million to expand the Earth Rangers Centre, integrating new environmental technologies including the installation of geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels and facility expansions. This investment is helping to provide greater opportunities for young people to become inspired and learn more about science and our natural environment.

For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan and projects in communities across Canada, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.