Category: Canada

For immediate release

Lane closures during construction work

GATINEAU, Quebec, September 30, 2016 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists of lane closures during repair work on the Alexandra Bridge from October 3, 2016, to end of May 2017. The regular Gatineau-bound lane will be closed to traffic during the project.

The regular Ottawa-bound lane will be open to Ottawa-bound vehicular traffic except:

• From Monday to Friday, between 2 pm and 7 pm, when it will be used for Gatineau bound vehicular traffic

The boardwalk will remain open, but pedestrians and cyclists should expect a width reduction for short periods of time during this work. Cyclists will be asked to walk their bike when travelling through the reduced portion. Pedestrians and cyclists will have to exercise caution while using the boardwalk.

For specific work, more restrictive lane closures may be required. Public notices will be issued to advise motorists of these lane reductions.

PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling in the construction zone and thanks them for their patience.

For more information, consult the project website.

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INFORMATION:

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

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For immediate release

LOCKPORT, Manitoba, September 28, 2016 – The St. Andrews Lock and Dam will be closed to marine vessels for the season as of midnight on October 14, 2016. Navigation through the lock will cease on this date, and the lock will reopen in the spring.

Staff will begin raising the dam’s control curtains on, or soon after, this date. As a result, water levels in the Red and Assiniboine rivers, in the vicinity of the city of Winnipeg and north to Lockport, will be lowered gradually over the next 2 to 3 weeks as the water is released. Should winter conditions set in, the curtains will be completely lifted as required.

Owners of vessels, barges and all property on the Red and Assiniboine rivers and their tributaries are hereby advised to protect their property.

The gated areas below the dam may be closed due to high, turbulent waters and dangerous currents, inclement weather or operational requirements. Once closed, these areas will remain closed until the spring.

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INFORMATION:

Media Relations Unit
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-420-5501

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For immediate release

Construction Work Requiring Lane Closures

GATINEAU, Quebec, September 28, 2016 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists of lane closures on the Alexandra Bridge on Friday, September 30, and Saturday October 1, 2016, for preparatory work. These lane closures will affect the Ottawa- and Gatineau-bound lanes.

The Ottawa- and Gatineau-bound lanes will be closed to vehicular traffic during the following period:

• From Friday, September 30 at 7 pm to Saturday, October 1 at 6 am

The boardwalk will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The schedule may vary due to weather conditions.

PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling in the construction zone and thanks them for their patience.

For more information, please consult the project website.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

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

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September 27, 2016 — Vancouver — Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is working to grow our economy, create good jobs for the middle class and opportunities for Canadians while protecting the environment for future generations.  As the Prime Minister has emphasized, the only way to get resources to market in the twenty-first century, is if it is done sustainably and responsibly. Today’s announcement reflects this commitment. It is also an example of the successful application of the Interim Principles for project assessments announced in January.

Today, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, and the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, announced the Federal Cabinet’s decision to approve the $11 billion Pacific NorthWest LNG Project after a rigorous federal environmental assessment.

The Pacific NorthWest LNG Project is a major opportunity to grow the economy. The project represents one of Canada’s largest resource development projects with a total capital investment of up to $36 billion when accounting for upstream natural gas development. During construction, the project will create an estimated 4500 jobs and an additional 630 direct and indirect jobs during the operation of the facility. As well as benefiting from job creation throughout the region, local First Nations communities will also benefit significantly through agreements reached with the proponent.

The project is subject to over 190 legally binding conditions, determined through extensive scientific study, that will lessen the environmental impacts of the project. For example, Pacific NorthWest LNG Ltd. will be required to comply with mitigation measures that will minimize adverse effects on fish, fish habitat, marine mammals, wetlands, migratory birds, and human health.

The project will be subject to a rigorous compliance and enforcement regime, which includes establishing environmental monitoring committees comprised of Indigenous peoples, and federal and provincial representatives, for the first time ever. Technical experts will monitor the project and will have the authority to stop project activities that do not comply with the conditions.

In reviewing the project, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change applied the interim principles for environmental assessments announced in January with the Minister of Natural Resources, Jim Carr, designed to restore confidence of Canadians in the process. Examples of how the principles were applied to this project are detailed below.  The decision also imposes – for the first time ever – a maximum cap on annual project greenhouse gas emissions.

Decisions based on science, traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and other relevant evidence: Scientific experts from Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada provided scientific and technical advice throughout the assessment. Indigenous peoples brought forward traditional knowledge including observations about marine conditions that prompted additional study. The review period was extended so that federal scientists could thoroughly assess the proponent’s information, require supplementary studies and review additional external research. As a result of this review, mitigation measures and monitoring requirements were put in place. Critically, scientists found no significant effects on fish with the legally-binding mitigation and monitoring conditions.

Views of the public and affected communities were sought and considered: The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency conducted extensive consultations throughout the environmental assessment and also provided four formal opportunities for public comments and input. Over 34,000 comments were received from individuals and groups on the draft environmental assessment report. Concerns raised by the public included effects on fish and fish habitat, the volume of greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on Indigenous rights and title. Support for the project focused on the project’s economic impact and job creation. This valuable public input was carefully reviewed, considered, documented and taken into account in the development of the environmental report and conditions. Some communities expressed concern about the impact of increased marine shipping. Our government is committed to strengthening the marine safety regime.

Indigenous peoples were meaningfully consulted, and where appropriate, impacts on their rights and interests were accommodated: Consultations were extensive with Indigenous communities with funding of over $480,000 provided to support their participation in the environmental assessment. Project conditions address the impact on the current use of land and resources by Indigenous peoples for traditional purposes. Indigenous groups near the project site participated in technical working groups. These groups will also participate with Canada and the province in environmental monitoring, a new innovative approach that is consistent with the government’s reconciliation agenda and commitment to enhance the capacity of Indigenous groups in reviewing and monitoring major resource development projects.

Direct and upstream greenhouse gas emissions linked to the projects under review were assessed: The decision imposes – for the first time ever – a maximum cap on annual project greenhouse gas emissions. This cap means direct greenhouse gas emissions from the project will be capped at a maximum of 4.3 Mt of CO₂e per year, 900,000 tonnes less than what had initially been proposed by the proponent. In addition, upstream emissions will be reduced by the government’s commitment to regulate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, and by British Columbia’s plan for electrification of upstream extraction of natural gas.

First Ministers agreed in the Vancouver Declaration to implement policies to meet Canada’s 2030 target. As a result, emissions from all projects, including this one, must fit within Canada’s plan to meet that target, which First Ministers will discuss this Fall. British Columbia’s commitment that it will increase its carbon price in line with the Pan Canadian Framework to be announced later this Fall reflects this principle.

Quotes

“The Pacific NorthWest LNG Project will deliver thousands of good middle-class jobs and will help pay for schools and roads and social programs that enrich people’s lives. We are moving forward with natural resource development in a sustainable manner, because we have an obligation to leave the planet in better shape than we found it. This is an exciting day for British Columbia, for Canada and for the natural gas industry in this country.”

– The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources

“The only way to get resources to market in the twenty-first century is if they can be done in a responsible and sustainable manner. This decision reflects this objective.  With the legally binding conditions we are putting in place and with British Columbia’s commitment to increase its price on carbon in line with the Pan Canadian Framework, I am confident that we will minimize the environmental impacts of the project and ensure that it proceeds in the most sustainable manner possible.”

– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“The Pacific NorthWest LNG proposal will bring great economic benefit to middle class British Columbians and First Nations. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) scientists have conducted thorough reviews of proponent submissions at every step of the environmental assessment process and determined that the potential risks to fish and fish habitat can be mitigated. DFO will also be part of the strict ongoing monitoring required to ensure that all conditions are followed. The project will also require regulatory approvals from DFO and detailed information on mitigation, monitoring and offsetting will be required from the proponent before approvals are made.”

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

Associated Links

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Media Relations Contacts

Caitlin Workman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-938-9436

Karen Fish
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-957-0278
Karen.fish@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Patricia Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
patricia.bell@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Alexandre Deslongchamps
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada
343-292-6837

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100

For immediate release

Lane Closures During Construction Work

GATINEAU, Quebec, September 26, 2016 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists of lane closures during repair work on the Alexandra Bridge from October 3, 2016, to May 2017. A unidirectional reversible lane will be applied for the duration of the project.

The Gatineau-bound lane will be closed to vehicular traffic during the following period:

• From Monday to Sunday, 7 pm to 2 pm

The Ottawa-bound lane will be closed to vehicular traffic during the following period:

• From Monday to Sunday, 2 pm to 7 pm

For specific work, more restrictive lane closures will be required week nights and/or weekends, where the Gatineau- and Ottawa-bound lanes will be closed to vehicular traffic. Public notices will be issued to advise motorists of any activities involving these lane reductions.  

The Boardwalk will remain open, but pedestrians and cyclists should expect a width reduction for short periods of time during this period. Cyclists will be asked to walk their bike when travelling through the reduced portion. Pedestrians and cyclists will have to exercise caution while using the Boardwalk.

PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling in the construction zone and thanks them for their patience.

For more information, consult the project website.

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INFORMATION:

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

Follow us on Twitter.

September 23, 2016              Moncton, New Brunswick                Employment and Social Development Canada

The Government’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s middle class and helping those working hard to join it means making post-secondary education more affordable for students.

As of August 1, the Government is providing more money for tuition for over half of all students in New Brunswick – 7,500 students. Canada Student Grant amounts have been increased by 50 percent:

• From $2,000 to $3,000 per year for full-time students from low-income families
• From $800 to $1,200 per year for students from middle-income families
• From $1,200 to $1,800 per year for part-time students from low-income families

As a result of these enhancements, when combined with the New Brunswick Tuition Access Bursary, the average full-time undergraduate student from a low-income family in New Brunswick could receive up to $6,500 in grants.

Beginning November 1, no single Canadian will be required to make any repayment on her education loans until she or he is earning at least $25,000, thanks to the Government easing rules for Canada’s Repayment Assistance Plan.

Thanks to these new measures, students are getting financial relief that will allow them greater access to post-secondary education, and the ability to start their careers not only with the skills they need, but with more money in their pockets.

This summer the Government of New Brunswick introduced a free tuition program, known as the Tuition Access Bursary, to provide upfront financial assistance to New Brunswick students that need it most and who’s annual household income of $60,000 or less. In order to be eligible, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program at a publicly-funded university or college in the province.

Quotes

“Education is the key to future success and prosperity. Our investments are making post-secondary education more affordable and more accessible for students. It’s going to help grow the Canadian middle class and help Canadians get the skills and experience they need for good jobs.”

-The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“Our government understands that creating jobs and making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable is what New Brunswickers want. We are proud to work with the Trudeau government to get things done by improving financial assistance programs available to students.”

–The Honourable Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour

Quick Facts

• Budget 2016 provided the first significant increase to Canada Student Grants and the Repayment Assistance Plan income thresholds since 2009.
• Increases to Canada Student Grants are expected to benefit 7,500 students from New Brunswick.
• The increase to Canada Student Grants will provide additional assistance of $1.53 billion over five years.
• The increase to the Repayment Assistance Plan eligibility thresholds will provide additional assistance of $131.4 million over five years.
• According to Statistics Canada, over a 20-year period, students with a bachelor’s degree will earn between $442,000 and $728,000 more than someone with only a high school diploma.

Associated Links

Budget 2016
Canada.ca/Student-Financial-Assistance
Student Financial Assistance Estimator

 

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Contacts

Carlene Variyan
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Carlene.variyan@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-5611

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter                         

 

Backgrounder

BUDGET 2016 – Making Post-Secondary Education More Affordable

Enhancing Canada Student Grants

Canada Student Grants (CSGs) provide up-front, non-repayable financial assistance to low- and middle-income students and students with permanent disabilities or dependents. Eligibility is assessed at the time the student applies for student loans.

Budget 2016 proposed to increase CSG amounts by 50 percent:

• from $2,000 to $3,000 per year for full-time students from low-income families;
• from $800 to $1,200 per year for full-time students from middle-income families; and
• from $1,200 to $1,800 per year for part-time students from low-income families.

Increasing the CSGs would benefit over 350,000 students across Canada: approximately 247,000 low-income students; 100,000 middle-income students; and 16,000 part-time students per year. This measure will provide assistance of $1.53 billion over five years, starting in 2016–17.

Budget 2016 also proposed to expand eligibility for CSGs to help even more students receive non-repayable assistance through an investment of $790 million over four years. The new eligibility thresholds are expected to be in place for the 2017–18 academic year, following consultations with provinces and territories. Under the new model, the existing low- and middle-income thresholds will be replaced with a single progressive threshold under which grant amounts will gradually decline based on income and family size.

Repayment Assistance Plan

For Canada Student Loan borrowers having difficulty making their payments following their studies, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can offer help. The RAP makes it easier for borrowers to manage their student loans by paying back what they can reasonably afford, based on their family income and size. Students must apply for the RAP in order to receive this support.

Since its introduction in 2009, the Repayment Assistance Plan income thresholds, which currently begin at $20,210 (gross income), have not been adjusted and do not reflect minimum wage increases.

• In New Brunswick, for instance, $8.25/hour in 2009 amounted to a yearly salary of $17,160at 40 hours/week. However, the increase to $10.30/hour by 2015, amounted to a yearly salary of $21,424, which is above the current minimum affordable payment threshold.

Budget 2016 proposed to increase the loan repayment threshold under the Canada Student Loans Program’s Repayment Assistance Plan to ensure that no borrower who applies will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year.  This income threshold is for a single individual; for other family sizes, see the table below. Students earning more than this amount may also be eligible for reduced payments. Students who think they may face difficulties repaying their loans should contact the National Student Loans Service Centre to learn more. This measure will provide assistance of $131.4 million over five years, starting on November 1, 2016.

Annual Family Gross Income Thresholds   for RAP Zero Payment by Family Size
Family Size	Current RAP Thresholds	RAP Thresholds as of Nov. 1	Percentage Change
1	$20,210	$25,000	23.7%
2	$31,570	$39,052	23.7%
3	$40,790	$50,457	23.7%
4	$48,110	$59,512	23.7%
5+	$54,830	$67,825	23.7%

Provincial and territorial information for Canada Student Loans and Grants

The Government of Canada works with most provincial or territorial governments to deliver federal and provincial student loans and grants.

• In Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador the Government of Canada and the provincial governments work together to provide financial assistance through Integrated Student Loans and Grants.
• In Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada Student Loans and Grants are available alongside provincial or territorial student financial assistance.
• In Yukon, only Canada Student Loans and Grants and territorial grants are available to permanent residents of the Yukon.

Non-participating jurisdictions

Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories chose not to participate in the Canada Student Loans Program and receive an alternative payment from the Government of Canada to administer their own student financial assistance measures.

New Brunswick

Although the Government of Canada directly finances federal student loans, New Brunswick processes Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) applications and conducts eligibility assessments for Canada Student Loans and Grants alongside provincial student loans and grants. Up to 60 percent of a New Brunswick student’s demonstrated financial need is covered by the CSLP, with New Brunswick covering the remaining need through the New Brunswick Student Assistance Program, up to a stipulated maximum amount. The CSLP has an integration agreement with New Brunswick, which means that students from New Brunswick have a single loan repayment.

New Brunswick is building upon the improvements to the CSLP by moving forward with the introduction of the Tuition Access Bursary (TAB). Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, the TAB, in conjunction with the federal low- and middle-income grants, will provide an amount equivalent to tuition costs to students with a gross family income of $60,000 or less, attending a public university or college located in New Brunswick.

The CSLP and New Brunswick, alongside other provinces and territories, work closely together to improve the coordination of federal and provincial programs, to improve student financial assistance, and to respond to the needs of students.