Minister Carr Highlights Federal Budget Benefits for Canadians

WINNIPEG, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today addressed the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, where he discussed Budget 2016 and reinforced the Government of Canada's commitment to growing the middle class and revitalizing the Canadian economy.

During his remarks, Minister Carr described the government's ambitious, long-term plan to strengthen the heart of Canada's economy — the middle class — and underscored the importance of smart, strategic investments that will bring Canadians good jobs, a cleaner environment and thriving communities. He also highlighted Budget 2016 investments in education, infrastructure, training and other programs that will help to secure a better quality of life for Indigenous peoples and build a stronger, more unified and more prosperous Canada.

Minister Carr spoke to Budget 2016 measures to support clean technology, including: funding for research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies; deployment of infrastructure for alternative transportation fuels; and investment in technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector. He also highlighted a number of Budget 2016 initiatives that will support Canada's natural resource sectors, important drivers for Canada's economy.

Quick Facts

• Budget 2016 allocates $87.2 million over two years for Natural Resources Canada projects across the country supporting research in forestry, mining and minerals, earth sciences and mapping, and innovation in energy technology.
• On January 27, 2016, the Government of Canada articulated interim principles to guide federal environmental assessments for major natural resource projects. Budget 2016 proposes to provide $16.5 million over three years, starting in 2016–17, to the National Energy Board, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada to implement the interim approach.
• Given the challenges facing junior mining companies, the Government will extend the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for an additional year, until March 31, 2017. It is estimated that this measure will result in a net reduction in federal revenues of $20 million over the 2016–17 to 2017–18 period.

Quote

"Our government's plan lays out solid steps that will empower Canadians — especially the middle class — to build better lives for themselves and to benefit from and contribute to the growth of our country. Our investments are strategic. Support for a clean growth economy will diversify our economy, open access to new markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create good, well-paying jobs."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Related Links
Budget Plan 
Fact sheets

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

For further information: Laurel Munroe, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100