July 14, 2008

BRANTFORD, Ontario, July 14, 2008 — The Government of Canada is continuing to support the growth and prosperity of communities and small businesses in rural Southwestern Ontario through an investment in the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) known as Enterprise Brant.

A federal contribution of $930,500 was announced today by Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for FedNor, Guy Lauzon, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor.

Of the total, $895,000 will go toward the continued operations of the organization for the next three years, while the remaining $35,500 will support activities such as strategic planning, professional development, and marketing for the seven CFDC organizations belonging to the Southwest Regional Network.

“The Community Futures Program is a vital tool in the Government of Canada’s efforts to stimulate economic diversification and growth in rural Ontario,” said Mr. Lauzon.  “This long-term funding illustrates our commitment to Enterprise Brant, the other 60 CFDCs in the province and the people and businesses of Brant County.”

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.

Enterprise Brant provides services to enhance local economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business counselling, community-based projects, and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

“This long-term funding allows us to continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of our local clients,” said Trevor Carre, Chair of Enterprise Brant.  “We also look forward to working with our CFDC colleagues in the Southwest Regional Network to help grow the economy and create employment opportunities throughout southwestern Ontario.”

Enterprise Brant is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations 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