January 8, 2008

LONDON, Ontario, January 8, 2008 — Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MP, Bev Shipley, and Elgin–Middlesex–Lambton MP, Joe Preston, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a federal contribution of $345,000 to the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of Middlesex County.

“The funding underlines this government’s recognition that CFDCs are an effective catalyst for economic growth, diversification and job creation,” stated Mr. Shipley.  “The services offered by the CFDC of Middlesex County are a key factor in the success of many small and medium-sized enterprises.”

“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with this CFDC to further the economic development of the area,” added Mr. Preston.  “Local businesses and entrepreneurs look to the CFDC of Middlesex County for loans, business counselling and other important services necessary to be successful.”

Budget 2007, announced March 19th in Ottawa, introduced a number of key initiatives in support of the small business sector, including:

• reducing the federal paper burden on small business
• reducing the tax compliance burden on small business
• introducing tax reductions which will lower Canada’s tax rate on new business investment

The CFDC of Middlesex County provides services to support local economic development and small business growth, including:  access to capital; business services; community-based projects; and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

Of the $345,000 announced today, $295,000 will support the CFDC’s ongoing operations, while the remaining $50,000 will support regional activities such as strategic planning, professional development, and marketing for the eight CFDC organizations belonging to the West Regional Network.

“We look forward to the opportunity to utilize this funding to promote economic growth in this region,” said Middlesex CFDC Chair, Doreen McLinchey.  “We want to provide the communities in our area with new employment opportunities, and further diversify the economy.”

The CFDC of Middlesex County is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.

To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, 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