MAHONE BAY, NS - On March 14, 2009, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret's and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, joined with outdoors enthusiasts to re-iterate the Government of Canada's most recent commitment, through its Economic Action Plan, of $25 million for Canada's network of national trails.

"More families, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists will be able to enjoy Canada's outdoor heritage thanks to the Conservative government's job-creating investment in safer, more accessible trails across Canada," said MP Keddy. "As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is designating $25 million to build and improve these wonderful outdoor resources."

"Canada's trail network helps us get to the heart of our amazing outdoors. It enriches the health and enjoyment of countless Canadians," said Alexander Hamilton, Chair, Dynamite Trail Association.

In order to provide the most rapid economic benefit possible during this challenging economic time, funding will go to shovel ready projects that are set to break ground in 2009-2010.

This program will be jointly funded by provincial, territorial, municipal or private funding, and will be administered in partnership with the National Trails Coalition, a joint venture made up of the three non-profit organizations. They include the Canadian Trails Federation, Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council.

"Trails are important to communities and organizations in Nova Scotia, and are enjoyed throughout our province in each and every season," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Natural Resources. "Nova Scotians enjoy a broad spectrum of trails and use them in multiple ways, including hiking, mountain biking, as well as snowmobiling and OHV riding. We look forward to learning more about how the new trail development funds will benefit our trails."

"Not only will this funding help more Canadians, tourists and families explore Canada's natural splendour from coast to coast," said Don Downe, Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, "It will also inject needed stimulus into communities like ours right across the country."

National Trails Coalition Chairman Terry Norman called the investment "a major boost to all forms of trail-based tourism and recreational activities."