Minister of Infrastructure visits Fanshawe

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Bob Chiarelli, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, stopped by Fanshawe's new Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies last week as part of his tour of infrastructure projects supported by the government's stimulus program.

The provincial government's stimulus funding, which came in light of the recent recession, has gone into supporting the development of 66 projects in London. Examples of such projects include the Centre, which was helped by $31 million in funding; renovations to the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, which received $51 million; and the Ronald McDonald House that used $2.6 million to expand its services.

"It's the most successful infrastructure program we've ever had," said Chiarelli, adding that investments in infrastructure will contribute to sustaining and creating around 300,000 jobs.

"It's a huge good news story."

Since the recession, Ontario has recovered 95 per cent of jobs lost, whereas the U.S. has recovered 13 per cent, he said. This rate is due to "aggressive fiscal plans," from infrastructure investment, small business tax cuts and the controversial HST.

Chiarelli also took a moment to comment on the current political climate, calling out the Conservatives on their early campaigning. He explained that there would be $28 billion less invested in infrastructure had "it gone the other way," referring to the Conservatives' lack of support in stimulus funding.

Fanshawe College President Howard Rundle commended the use of the funding, specifically in regards to the Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies.

"What this is allowing is preparation for the future. We're now positioned ... to provide skilled labour for the next 10 years or more," he said.

"This particular community suffered a bit more than most with a dependence on auto manufacturing. It's definitely coming back," he added.