UPGRADED WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPENS IN MARGO

People in Margo have better drinking water today thanks to an upgraded water treatment plant that received $6,902 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP).

Deputy Premier and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby, on behalf of Government Relations Minister Len Taylor, joined Margo Mayor Myrna Daviduk to celebrate the opening of Margo's upgraded water treatment plant on August 28th. The federal and provincial governments each committed $3,451 to the $10,355 project, which was announced in April 2003.

"Investments in community-based infrastructure projects are essential to the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring the people of Saskatchewan have access to safe drinking water and other basic infrastructure services," said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)."

"The co-operation of the people of Margo, and the federal and provincial governments has made this project possible," Serby said. "Safe water is essential in ensuring the sustainability of Saskatchewan communities and we are proud to be a part of the team contributing to Margo's success."

"Thanks to the Canada–Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, the Village of Margo now has some of the best drinking water around," Daviduk said. "Without this partnership, we would not have been able to afford this undertaking. This new filter system is one more way of monitoring our water to make it as safe as possible which is very important to us."

This is the fourth year of the five-year Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program that will see an investment of more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds in Saskatchewan's municipalities.

The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments. Before receiving final approval, community projects must undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed internet access for local public institutions, and affordable housing.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jan Carter Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306) 787-1085

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Development Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5942