OTTAWA - The federal government says it is ready to roll out the first projects under the budget's $12-billion infrastructure spending program to create jobs.
Public Works Minister Christian Paradis says his department is spending $400 million over two years to repair government buildings and bridges, with half the contracts being issued before the end of the month.
The money will go to repairing and making public buildings accessible to the handicapped and to repair four government-owned bridges in Kingston, Burlington and two in Ottawa-Gatineau.
The government is also spending $2 million on planning for the historic Le Manege military complex in Quebec City, which was destroyed by fire in 2008.
Paradis said the projects will create short-term jobs at a time when the economy needs them the most.
In the last four months, the recession has cost almost 300,000 jobs.
Paradis says his department has been working with its partners across the country to establish plans for hundreds of infrastructure projects to be put into motion beginning this month.
