March 6, 2009

BANCROFT, Ontario, March 6, 2009 — Today, Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward—Hastings, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced that support for community-based projects and business services will grow in North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin.

With the Government of Canada’s investment through FedNor’s Community Futures Program, the North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin Community Futures Development Corporation will offer business services, access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, and support community development projects for a three-year period.

“This Government recognizes that small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy,” stated MP Kramp.  “Our investment will help the Community Futures Development Corporation of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin to help the entrepreneurial spirit in the region to flourish and grow.”

“Our Government has a solid track record supporting projects that help local businesses expand and create jobs, or entrepreneurs start up new ventures,” said Minister Clement.  “Canada’s Economic Action Plan will make our communities even stronger.  It looks to programs like Community Futures that contain a long-term vision to not only protect current jobs but create future jobs.”

“We are proud of the contributions we have made to the region by working in partnership with FedNor/Industry Canada,” said Bruce Walker, Chair of the Community Futures Development Corporation of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin.  “This ongoing funding will allow us to keep our focus on economic diversity and job creation.”

The Government of Canada is contributing $900,000 through FedNor’s Community Futures Program to the North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin Community Futures 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
Acting Director, Communications Unit, FedNor
613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673