Simpcw First Nation, BC – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities for the Simpcw First Nation. Funding of $35,287 was 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 encouraging greater participation in physical education and the use of recreational facilities,” said McLeod. “The expansion of the outdoor, multi-purpose sports court will bring together families, friends and neighbours to learn new skills, exchange ideas, get fit and healthy, and have fun.”

“This is welcome news for our community and more specifically our young people who will benefit from the development of recreational facilities geared to getting them out of the house and involved in healthy, recreational activities,” said Chief Keith Matthew.

The 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