THETFORD MINES, QUEBEC – Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that the federal Government will support economic diversification in the Thetford region by helping finance the construction of a natural gas pipeline between Vallée-Jonction and Thetford Mines.  By providing a source of safe, inexpensive energy, the project will spur economic development in Thetford Mines and surrounding communities.
 
“Our Government cares about the interests of Quebec’s regional communities, and this announcement will help stimulate economic growth in the Thetford Mines region for generations to come,” said the Prime Minister.  “This pipeline will create jobs and economic opportunities in the region, while providing local businesses and institutions with an affordable source of energy.”
 
The project will be carried out by the Gaz Métro company, which will finance part of the venture itself.
 
This new infrastructure in the Thetford Mines region will represent an added incentive in attracting investment to the region and convincing new businesses to set up shop there.
 
“Our Government has already been very successful in its economic initiatives, and it will continue to generate good results for hard-working Canadians,” added Prime Minister Harper.
 

Backgrounder

CONSTRUCTION OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINE IN THETFORD MINES

The Harper Government is committed to building and modernizing infrastructure to help create jobs and economic growth in Canada’s communities and regions.
 
To that end, the Harper Government will invest up to $18.1 million over two years toward the construction of a pipeline between Vallée-Jonction and Thetford Mines, Quebec.  This investment will ensure a source of safe, inexpensive energy, thereby spurring the economic development of Thetford Mines and of the surrounding communities.
 
Construction of the pipeline will help diversify the municipal economy as well as help create jobs and economic growth by making local businesses more competitive, attracting investment and encouraging other businesses to set up shop in the region.
 
Gaz Métro, the leading natural gas distributor in Quebec, could spend $6.6 million on this project.  The total cost is expected to be $24.7 million.