June 3, 2009
SARNIA, Ontario, June 3, 2009 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in community-based projects and business services in Lambton County.
With the Government of Canada’s investment, through the Community Futures Program, the Sarnia—Lambton Business Development Corporation will offer business services, access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, and support for community development projects for a three-year period.
“Our government is encouraging economic diversification and growth in Ontario’s rural communities. The Community Futures Program is a central part of those efforts,” said Minister Clement. “For more than 19 years the Sarnia—Lambton Business Development Corporation has provided expert knowledge and services to businesses throughout the region, helping to create jobs and strengthening the local economy. Today’s announcement ensures that Lambton County will continue to benefit from this great work.”
"Most of the job creation taking place in Canada has come through those with the vision to strike out on their own and I am pleased that through this funding our government will continue to support the efforts of the Sarnia-Lambton Community Futures Development Corporation," said Member of Parliament, Bev Shipley.
“The Government realizes that by injecting almost a million dollars into our local BDC-CFDC there will be an immediate stimulus effect for local businesses and entrepreneurs that rely on such developmental opportunities. I was extremely pleased to learn of this increased investment into Sarnia-Lambton because I know the strength of our local business leaders in our community, and I know that this money will be put to good use,” said Member of Parliament Pat Davidson.
“We are proud to facilitate economic development at the community level,” said James Kohlmeier, Chair of the Sarnia—Lambton Business Development Corporation. “This ongoing funding will allow us to keep supporting strategic initiatives that will have a positive effect in our region and create an entrepreneurial community.”
The Government of Canada is contributing $900,000 through Industry Canada’s Community Futures Program to the Sarnia—Lambton Business Development Corporation. To find out more about Ontario’s Community Futures Development Corporations, visit: http://ic.gc.ca/cfdc-ontario
For more information, please contact:
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-995-9001
Robert Naud
Senior Communications Officer, FedNor
613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673