Sukh Dhaliwal Joins Announcement for $3.4 Million in Recreation Facilities

(SURREY) Today, Sukh Dhaliwal was pleased to confirm the announcement of a major investment under the Canada - British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF).

“I am proud that we have been able to see the valuable work done by local supporters of this tremendous development pay off,” said Dhaliwal. “When I was asked by the City of Surrey’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture for assistance, I did not hesitate to help them in every way possible to secure these grants.”

The Newton Athletic Park, located in Mr. Dhaliwal’s riding of Newton - North Delta, will be receiving an investment of more than $1.4 million for a new all-weather playing surface. Improvements will include a 110-metre by 70-metre synthetic sports field and an 85-square-metre expansion of the field house with improved change rooms, heating and energy-efficient lighting. These improvements will benefit the community’s 16,000 registered soccer players among others.

Another $2 million was approved for the Newton Recreation Centre expansion which will include a new multi-purpose gymnasium that will deliver a thirty percent increase in community recreational programs and social events.

“The infrastructure upgrades will be welcomed by youth, seniors and all residents of this dynamic and growing community,” said Dhaliwal. “These new leisure facilities will make a remarkable difference in the health and well-being of the people of Surrey.”

While Mr. Dhaliwal made an appearance at the funding announcement, consistent with the Conservative strategy of making all announcements in communities partisan gestures, only Conservative Members of Parliament were given notice. This, even though Dhaliwal had made a number of contacts in support of the initiative and the facilities were, in part, located within his electoral district.

“I am disappointed in the partisan manner that the Conservatives use these events to the sole benefit of their own MP’s,” said Dhaliwal. “These funds are given on behalf of all Canadian taxpayers, regardless of their political affiliation. However, this will not dissuade me from continuing to support the good work that the volunteers and staff are doing in Surrey and in Delta to ensure that we share in the benefits for our entire community.”

Mr. Dhaliwal also referred to the announcement on June 25, 2007 that named the City of Surrey as the “Cultural Capital of Canada” for 2008. It was only after Heritage Minister Bev Oda was in town that day that he discovered that the city would be awarded $2 million, despite his being an active proponent in support of the application.

Sukh Dhaliwal is the Member of Parliament for Newton - North Delta and the Opposition Critic for Competitiveness and the New Economy.

-30-

Office of Sukh Dhaliwal
604-598-2200