WHITEHORSE, YUKON -- (Marketwire) -- 11/27/09 -- The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and the Honourable Archie Lang, Yukon Minister of Community Services today announced funding for renovations and improvements to seven recreational projects in Yukon. This initiative was made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"Improvement to these recreational facilities will help foster healthy lifestyles and improve active living for Yukon families and communities," said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. "These facilities are at the heart of communities, providing a safe place to meet, play, and exercise."

"Investments in communities have direct impact on the lives of people living and working in the North," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. "These recreational facilities provide improved access to vital public infrastructure. The North's youth will continue to benefit from these improvements for years to come."

Recreational facilities are particularly important in many northern communities, where they serve as fitness and sports centres, as well as public school gymnasiums, polling stations, and venues for a variety of community gatherings and celebrations. Investing in better recreational facilities will also help to stimulate the economy at the community level. Details of the projects are included in the accompanying Backgrounder.

"The Yukon Government is very pleased to partner with CanNor and with municipalities, non-profit organizations and First Nations," Department of Community Services Minister Archie Lang said. "Our recreational infrastructure is a key factor in maintaining a high quality of life for all Yukoners."

A total of $1.2 million will be provided to seven Yukon communities through CanNor's Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, Yukon communities, First Nations and the Government of Yukon. Federal investments of just under $550,000 will be equally matched by the Government of Yukon.

RInC is one of a suite of economic development programs delivered by CanNor in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. RInC is a national program that provides economic stimulus of $500 million until March 31, 2011. The program shares the cost of repairing, upgrading or expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. Funding of nearly $1.7 million was earmarked for RInC projects across the three territories.

CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy.

For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: http://www.north.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca and for more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit www.northernstrategy.ca/index-eng.asp