August 26, 2008

RUTHVEN, Ontario, August 26, 2008 — The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of communities and small businesses in rural South-Western Ontario through its ongoing investments in the Essex Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).

A federal contribution of $320,000 for the organization’s operations was announced today by Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor.

“Now in its 14th year of operation, the Essex Community Futures Development Corporation is a vital contributor to the economic prosperity of the entire region,” said Mr. Watson.  “As the MP for Essex, I fully understand and appreciate its integral role as does our government.”

As reaffirmed in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada is making investments in people, knowledge, modern infrastructure and a sound and efficient financial sector to provide the foundation for global success.

The Essex CFDC provides services in both official languages 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.

“We are glad to work with FedNor in its efforts to support the small business sector,” said Paul Foster, Chair of the Essex CFDC.  “This sector is so very important to creating and maintaining jobs in the region.”

The Essex Community 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:

Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Mario Paluzzi
Communications Officer, FedNor
705-941-2064 or 1-877-333-6673