No. H 092/96
For release - June 24, 1996

Minister of Transport announces funding towards Ogden Point terminal improvements

VICTORIA — David Anderson, Minister of Transport and MP for Victoria, today announced the federal government's contribution to the Ogden Point Enhancement Society for improvements at the Ogden Point Wharf cruise ship terminal. Mr. Anderson made the announcement in Victoria at a meeting of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee.

"The Ogden Point Terminal is an extremely important tourist facility in Victoria," said Mr. Anderson. "Victoria is known world wide for its gardens and open spaces. It is very important that the cruise ship tourists' first impressions are in keeping with their expectations of our community. The cruise ship industry in Victoria translates into real trade and tourism dollars for the region."

Federal financial assistance will help the city improve this important tourist-related facility, which is the main point of entry to Victoria for the more than 30,000 Alaskan cruise passengers that visit each year.

"This effort demonstrates what can be achieved when various levels of government and the private sector work together. This initiative has been a cooperative effort from the bottom up and will bring jobs and growth to the Capital Region," added Mr. Anderson.

Funding of $50,000 for this initiative was provided for in the March 1996 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This project is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

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Contact:

Brian Bohunicky
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700

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