February 18, 2008

CORNWALL, Ontario, February 18, 2008 — Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for FedNor, Guy Lauzon, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $10 million toward the renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) for one year.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing businesses and residents in rural Eastern Ontario,” said Minister Clement.  “Through this investment of $10 million, our Government is promoting economic development in rural Eastern Ontario that will lead to a competitive and diversified regional economy.”

“The Government of Canada has set out a tangible action plan to create an entrepreneurial advantage for Ontario businesses,” said Parliamentary Secretary Lauzon.  “The Eastern Ontario Development Program and the Community Futures Program are two vital components of that plan.”

Managed by FedNor, the regional economic development organization responsible for the Community Futures Program in rural Ontario, the EODP will be delivered by the 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout rural Eastern Ontario, as well as the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network Inc.  The EODP is a Government of Canada initiative that allows rural Eastern Ontario communities to pursue the creation of a competitive and diversified regional economy through investments within five key economic development priorities – business and community development, access to capital, skills development, retention and attraction of youth, and technological enhancements.

“We are grateful for this latest commitment by the Government of Canada to the people of rural Eastern Ontario,” added Allan Thom, Chair of the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network Inc.  “The EODP has proven to be a major contributor to the successful development of business and job opportunities in the region and we are proud to carry on this important work.”

To find out more about Ontario CFDCs and the EODP, visit:  http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Robert Naud
Senior Communications Officer, FedNor
613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673