Maple Ridge, BC - Jobs and economic growth continue to be created by Canada's Economic Action Plan, announced local MP Randy Kamp. Kamp was in Maple Ridge today to tour the construction site with Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin and municipal officials and to celebrate the significant progress made on the downtown core revitalization project.

"Our Government's top priority is the economy, which is why we are continuing to implement Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Kamp.  "These upgrades to the downtown core have created local jobs and economic growth, and will improve the services delivered to local residents and businesses in the area for years to come."

The Harper Government is demonstrating the job creation and benefits of Canada's Economic Action Plan. MP Kamp's visit to Maple Ridge's signature infrastructure upgrade is just one of over 80 events happening across the country today.

The downtown core revitalization project has upgraded aging infrastructure in the downtown core via a road and utility rehabilitation project. Work has been done on sanitary and storm sewer drainage systems, roads and sidewalks and water distribution systems to increase capacity.  The fibre optic network has also been expanded into the downtown core area.

"The upgrades to 224th Street and the Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge have given a much needed facelift to the area," said Kamp. "It is encouraging to see the business community building on the momentum that was created by this investment in our community.  I'm proud to be a part of a Government that has contributed over $1.8 million to it and Maple Ridge should be proud of the work that has been done."

The Harper government is committed to stimulating the economy through the creation of jobs. Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to create jobs and economic growth with more than 26,000 job-creating projects underway or completed from coast to coast to coast.

The results are clear: Since July 2009 Canada's economy has created over 460,000 new jobs and the economy has grown for five straight quarters. 

"The economic recovery is still fragile," said Kamp.  "That is why we must stay on track and continue to focus on the economy."

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides close to $16 billion to modernize a broad range of infrastructure including roads, bridges, public transit, parks and water treatment facilities, and to support home ownership, help stimulate the housing sector and improve housing across Canada.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.