December 12, 2008

BELLEVILLE, Ontario, December 12, 2008 — The Government of Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to the growth and prosperity of the communities, small businesses and residents of rural Eastern Ontario through its ongoing investment in the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), known as the Trenval Business Development Corporation.

A federal contribution through FedNor’s Community Futures Program to the Trenval Business Development Corporation was announced today by Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward—Hastings, and Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland— Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor.  The funding will support the ongoing operations of the CFDC over the next three years.

An additional investment provided through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) in the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network Inc. will be used to establish a regional manufacturing resource centre.  This funding will support the hiring of staff and outreach activities to assist the region’s manufacturing industry.

“CFDCs, such as the Trenval Business Development Corporation, are a vital contributor to the economic prosperity of rural Ontario and our Government is proud to support their ongoing efforts,” said Mr. Kramp.

“This funding will allow the Trenval Business Development Corporation and the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network Inc. to continue to play a leadership role in fostering economic diversification, expanding the business base and creating jobs to help foster strong, self-sustaining communities,” added Mr. Norlock.

As reaffirmed in November’s Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada will work with all Canadians to ensure that they have the foundation they need to weather the economic challenges that lie ahead.  Priorities will be to secure jobs for families and communities, expand investment and trade, ensure sound budgeting, and to make government more effective.

CFDCs provide services to enhance local economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business counselling, support for community-based projects, and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

“This operational funding of $900,000 over three years will help support new and exciting opportunities for the communities and businesses we serve,” said David Valcamp, Chair of the Trenval Business Development Corporation.  “In addition, the regional support of just over $38,000 for the manufacturing resource centre will help area industry to address a variety of labour needs.”

The Trenval Business Development Corporation is one of 61 CFDCs in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.

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

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer, FedNor
705-941-2105 or 1-877-333-6673