Category: Canada

For immediate release

GATINEAU, Quebec, July 11, 2016 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists, pedestrians and cyclists of periodic lane closures on the Alexandra Bridge on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, between 9 am and 3 pm. These closures will affect the Ottawa‑bound and Gatineau‑bound lanes, one lane at a time.

In case of inclement weather, the alternate work date is Wednesday, July 13, 2016, from 9 am to 3 pm.

The boardwalk may be partially reduced for temporary periods. Cyclists may be asked to walk their bicycles around the construction cones. Pedestrians and cyclists will need to exercise caution when crossing the boardwalk.

The lane closures are necessary to conduct general maintenance on the bridge.

PSPC thanks users for their patience.

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INFORMATION:

Media Relations Unit
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501

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Ottawa, Ontario, July 5, 2016 — Media are invited to visit the main floor of the newly rehabilitated Wellington Building. Public Services and Procurement Canada spokespersons will highlight the heritage restoration of its unique mosaic and the building modernization efforts, such as environmental sustainability features.

Date:  July 6, 2016
Time: 10 am
Location:  180 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario

Interested media should contact Public Services and Procurement Canada media relations to register.

The tour will begin at the Wellington Street entrance.

INFORMATION:

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

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For immediate release

GATINEAU, Quebec, July 4, 2016 — Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists of nighttime periodic lane reductions on the Chaudiere Crossing on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, from 8 pm to 5 am.

The schedule may change due to weather conditions. In case of inclement weather, the alternate work night date is Wednesday, July 6, 2016, from 8 pm to 5 am.

These lane reductions will affect the Gatineau-bound lane only. Traffic will be permitted in both directions. One northbound and one southbound lane will remain open at all times.

The west and east sidewalks may be temporarily closed. Pedestrians and cyclists will be re-routed to the opposite sidewalk when required.

These lane reductions are necessary to conduct general maintenance on the bridge.

PSPC thanks users for their patience.

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INFORMATION:

Media Relations Unit
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501

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For immediate release

HAMILTON, Ontario, July 3, 2016 — Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise pedestrians and cyclists of restricted access to the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge from July 4 to 29, 2016.

During these dates, the following restrictions will be in place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.:

• from July 4 to 29, the north and south pedestrian underpasses will be closed;
• from July 4 to 15, access to the east (lakeside) part of the Waterfront Trail will be closed;
• from July 18 to 29, access to the west (bayside) part of the Waterfront Trail will be closed; and
• from July 18 to 29, the west (bayside) bridge sidewalk will be closed.

This schedule may change due to weather conditions or logistical requirements. PSPC will publish notices regarding any changes in schedule.

Safety is a top priority for PSPC during this project. The closures are required as part of the project to replace the bridge’s controls, drives and cables. The replacement of key components of the bridge’s lift system will extend its serviceable life, meeting the needs of both marine and vehicular traffic in the area. 

PSPC thanks users for their patience.

For inquiries related to the project, contact:
Karen Durnford-McIntosh
Regional Manager
Real Property, Professional and Technical Services
613-453-3246

Media inquiries should be directed to:
Media Relations, Ontario Region, PSPC
416-512-5550

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INFORMATION:

Media Relations Unit
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501

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Message from Ministers

June 26, 2016

Our Government is committed to keeping Canadians safe while protecting their rights. Threats to public security arise from many sources, including illicit drugs and the many crimes associated with them. Canada is committed to an evidence-based approach to drug policy grounded in public health, harm reduction, proportional criminal justice sanctions and human rights.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day on which countries and governments around the world reflect on the destructive effects drug abuse has on our communities. It is an opportunity to consider how to better help those harmed by substance abuse and prevent criminals from preying on the vulnerable, especially youth.

Drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking can affect us in many ways. Whether it is losing a loved one by overdose or being victimized by the violence associated with illicit drug trafficking, many have been affected either directly or indirectly by substance abuse. A new, modern, approach to drugs is needed to address the health and public safety risks associated with drug use and drug trade. This new approach must be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and based on scientific evidence.

Canada has recently introduced a five-point action plan on opioid misuse to address this growing crisis, with planned initiatives focussing on better informing Canadians about the risks of opioids, supporting better prescribing practices, reducing easy access to unnecessary opioids, supporting better treatment options, and improving the national evidence base. We have renewed the necessary exemption for Insite, a supervised consumption site, where people with addictions can access the care and support they need for another four years. We also support Drug Treatment Court programs across the country, and our Government has quickly moved to making naloxone antidote kits more available to save lives from opioid overdoses.

Our Government is committed to legalizing, strictly regulating and restricting access to marijuana for non-medical purposes. We will introduce legislation in spring 2017 to ensure we keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.

Canada will continue to modernize its approach to drug policy and work with its partners across the globe and at home to maximize education and minimize harm.

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health

June 24, 2016 – St. John’s, N.L. – Public Services and Procurement

Canada is committed to providing strong support for innovation. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is creating inclusive and sustainable economic growth for communities across Canada. Fostering Canadian innovations will help businesses create more jobs and improve the lives of everyday Canadians.

The Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Judy M. Foote, accompanied by Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in made-in-Canada innovation.

Notus Electronics Ltd. of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, received a $562,695 contract for its innovation called the Dredgemaster, which will be used by shellfish scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Innovative wireless sensors installed on dredges towed along the ocean floor will help operators increase their catch and save money on fuel by identifying the best locations to dredge.

Minister Foote also announced a repayable contribution of $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to Notus Electronics Ltd. The contribution, made under the Business Development Program, will help commercialize the Notus Net Sounder, which allows commercial fishing boats to more effectively use their trawls.

The Minister made the announcement at the head office of Notus Electronics Ltd. in St. John’s. This investment was made through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, which helps companies land their first sale and get their innovation tested by federal departments. This program is one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports innovation and small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.

Moving forward, the Government of Canada will continue to support Canadian innovations, in order to strengthen the middle class and grow the economy.

Quotes

“Our Government has made a commitment to grow our economy, strengthen the middle class, and help those working hard to join it. By matching innovative products like the Dredgemaster with business needs, the Build in Canada Innovation Program helps Canadian companies move their products from the lab to the marketplace.”

The Honourable Judy M. Foote
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“This innovation will greatly support our scientists when doing their research on harvesting scallops in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our Government is investing in new technologies that create jobs and grow the economy while also helping us in our science-based decisions.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The Government of Canada believes that public investment is needed to create and support sustainable growth, economic opportunity and prosperity in Canada. We are committed to helping businesses like Notus Electronics grow, innovate and export so that they can create good quality jobs and generate wealth for Canadians.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Build in Canada Innovation Program provides an excellent avenue to get the most cutting-edge technology into federal government departments. This provides an excellent springboard for launch into the commercial marketplace. Thanks to support from ACOA, we will be able to begin activities to actively commercialize the Notus Net Sounder. We have spent more than two decades developing and commercializing advanced marine technologies for the worldwide commercial fishing industry; technologies that provide significant benefits to vessel operators, including cost savings and improved efficiencies.”

Francis Parrott
Marketing Manager, Notus Electronics Ltd.

Quick Facts

• Notus Electronics Ltd. is a Canadian developer and manufacturer of advanced net monitoring solutions for the commercial fishing industry.
• Established in 1992, the company has brought a number of sophisticated wireless monitoring systems to the commercial fishing market and now has 10 employees.
• The Dredgemaster reduces the fuel used by fishing boats. A 15 per cent reduction in fuel is expected by reducing lost tows.
• As of June 2016, 190 contracts have been awarded under the Build in Canada Innovation Program, bringing Canadian companies one step closer to selling to domestic and international markets.

Associated Links

Build in Canada Innovation Program

Business Development Program

Contacts

Annie Trépanier
Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501

Paul McGrath
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA N.L.
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

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