February 27, 2009
PICTON, Ontario, February 27, 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 the Government of Canada is investing in innovation and in the creative industries of Eastern Ontario.
We are investing in the Prince Edward County Innovation and New Venture Centre to help bring together in one location people and organizations involved in economic development and investment attraction in support of local residents and businesses. We are also investing to create an action plan to capitalize on the opportunities that the creative industries sector of Eastern Ontario has to offer.
“Our government is proud to partner with Community Futures to assist the people and businesses in our communities,” said Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings. “The Prince Edward County Innovation and New Venture Centre, and the Creative Industries project, will contribute to the development of new business opportunities and jobs in the region.”
Today’s announcement represents FedNor investment in two local and regional economic development projects that will benefit rural Eastern Ontario and is funded through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP).
“The Government of Canada understands that small businesses drive the economy in our rural communities,” commented Minister Clement. “Our investments in the Community Futures and Eastern Ontario Development programs continue to help small and medium-sized businesses looking to create jobs.”
With a Government of Canada investment through the EODP, the PELA CFDC invested $75,000 to help establish the Prince Edward County Innovation and New Venture Centre. In addition, the PELA CFDC received a FedNor investment of $20,725 through the Regional Development Component of the EODP to help define the scope and the reach of the creative industries in Eastern Ontario. The project will provide a detailed listing of all job categories and wages for this important sector of the economy. This data will be used to help prepare the action plan.
“The PELA CFDC is a catalyst for economic development, small business growth, and job creation,” said John Licharson, Acting Chair of the PELA CFDC. “The Innovation and New Venture Centre is an excellent example of how we work with community stakeholders to encourage effective economic development and the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in our region.”
Assistance for these projects dovetails 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
Senior Communications Officer, FedNor
613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673