Kamloops, 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 Kamloops area. Funding of $37,528 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 upgrade to the rowing, canoeing and kayaking facility on Shumway Lake will provide a lasting legacy from the Western Canada Summer Games, that will be put to good use for many years to come.”

“The Kamloops 2011 Western Canada Summer Games Society appreciates funding support for the upgrade to one of our facilities needed to host these games. This has been another successful partnership in ensuring 2011 will see the best ever Games hosted in the Kamloops area,” said Larry Read.

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