Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
It's a delight to be here.
Thank you.
Thanks as well to committee members.
We're pleased to be here today to speak to the Government of Canada's G-8 legacy fund.
Joining me today from Infrastructure Canada are Yaprak Baltacioglu, deputy minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and John Forster, associate deputy minister of Infrastructure Canada.
I'll allow Minister Cannon to introduce his folks as well.
On June 25 and 26 Canada was proud to host the G-8 summit in the Muskoka region. This was Canada's fifth time hosting a summit since joining the original G-7 in 1976. The G-8 brings together the heads of state, senior dignitaries, and countless delegates from the world's leading nations, and for many this was their first chance to visit the beautiful Muskoka region.
In preparation for Canada's hosting role and to help set the stage for such a high-level event, the $50 million G-8 legacy fund was established in Budget 2009 for projects in the region.
The investments made, in view of the G8 infrastructure funds, made it possible to prepare for the summit to be held in the region, in addition to promoting it to the international media and visitors.
In total, 32 projects worth just over $45.7 million were funded throughout the region, including the G-8 centre in Huntsville, local road improvements, and upgrades to the North Bay airport. But the purpose of the fund was not only to support Canada's hosting role; it was, from the beginning, intended to leave a legacy to the people of the region, as is traditionally the case when Canada hosts such high-profile international events.
To ensure that they were ready to host the world, and as compensation for the inconvenience to the region, 16 municipalities received funding to help improve their local roads and tourist attractions and to beautify their streets and communities. These municipalities worked hard to ensure that these projects were completed within the very tight timelines required by the fund.
Every project was completed on time for the June summit. Our municipal partners in the region can be proud of the results of their efforts.
Our investments through the G-8 legacy fund are consistent with those made in advance of Canada's hosting of past international meetings, such as the 2002 G-8 summit in Kananaskis; the 1997 APEC summit in Vancouver, where $60 million was spent on infrastructure projects in a forest research centre and chair at the University of British Columbia; and the 1995 G-7 summit in Halifax, where over $8 million was invested in beautification projects throughout the city and to the iconic Halifax waterfront.
Projects were provided throughout the area to better showcase one of the most beautiful regions of Canada and to provide a legacy to the area for hosting the G-8 summit. And now residents across the region are benefiting from the improved recreational facilities, better roads, enhanced tourism opportunities, and so on.
Thank you. I will be pleased to answer your questions.
Mr. Cannon, perhaps you have a word for the committee as well.