March 6, 2009
BLENHEIM, Ontario, March 6, 2009 — Today, David Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham—Kent—Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in communities and businesses in rural Southwestern Ontario.
Financial support for the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of Chatham—Kent will enable investments in small and medium-sized businesses and economic development activities in the region.
“Canada’s Government believes that small businesses are economic generators in our rural communities,” stated MP Van Kesteren. “This investment in the Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham—Kent will sustain its efforts to develop community projects that will have a real and lasting impact on economic growth and job creation in the region.”
“The Government of Canada recognizes that CFDCs are important partners in increasing local economic development and small business growth,” added Minister Clement. “I am proud of our long-standing partnership with these organizations. Together we working to protect the jobs and opportunities of today, and to create the opportunities of tomorrow.”
With a Government of Canada contribution of $300,000 through the Community Futures Program, the CFDC of Chatham—Kent will offer business services, access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, and support community development projects for a one-year period.
“With this funding, we can continue building community capacity and help entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals,” said Anne Gilbert, Chair of the Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham—Kent. “We look forward to creating new success stories throughout the whole region.”
Assistance for this initiative is consistent with the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to strengthen rural communities, while making investments to promote long-term growth. The goal is not only to protect current jobs, but to help create future jobs.
To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, 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