April 17, 2009

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario, April 17, 2009 — Today, The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced support for community-based projects and business services in the Niagara Region.

With the Government of Canada’s investment, through FedNor’s Community Future’s Program, the South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) will offer business services, access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, and support community development projects for a one-year period.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation in its efforts to deliver services that enhance business growth, job creation and economic diversification throughout the region,” said Minister Nicholson.  “This funding will allow the South Niagara CFDC to continue to have a direct and positive impact on local residents and local businesses.”

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is making our communities stronger by investing in projects that help protect and create jobs, support small business growth and allow entrepreneurs to start up new ventures,” said Minister Clement.  “The South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation has a proud history in the region and this funding will ensure they can continue to strengthen and diversify the local economy.”

“We are proud of the positive results the South Niagara CFDC has delivered to our region,” stated Sandy White, Chair of the South Niagara CFDC.  “This funding will allow us to build on our past successes and strengthen the economic foundation in communities throughout our service area.”

The Government of Canada is contributing $300,000 through FedNor’s Community Futures Program to the South Niagara CFDC.  To find out more about Ontario’s Community Futures Development Corporations, visit:  http://ic.gc.ca/cfdc-ontario

For more information, please contact:

Laryssa Waler
A/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