THUNDER BAY, February 20, 2008- Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, is pleased that the federal government is moving ahead and taking action with $64 million in funding for clean water in Ontario.

“This funding will deliver essential support for communities in Northwestern Ontario,” said Joe Comuzzi. “Through programs like the $33 billion Building Canada Infrastructure Plan and the $1 billion Community Development Trust, the Government of Canada has committed significant amounts of assistance for communities and workers in Ontario. However, Premier McGuinty and his government refuse to put aside partisan politics and come to the table to look after the best interests of residents in Ontario.” added Comuzzi.

Funding for water and wastewater projects comes from the $200 million announced in February 2007, to top up the nation-wide Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Ontario’s share of funding is $64 million.

Since the announcement of this additional funding, the Government of Canada has signed top-up agreements with every province and territory except Ontario. On February 14, 2008, the Government of Canada announced it is proceeding full-steam ahead, with or without the McGuinty Government to deliver this funding directly to municipalities.