June 25, 2008

PICTON, Ontario, June 25, 2008 — The Government of Canada is continuing to support the growth and prosperity of communities and small businesses in rural Southeastern Ontario through an investment in the Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington (PELA) Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).

A federal contribution of $1,050,000 was announced today by Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward–Hastings and Scott Reid, Member of Parliament for Lanark–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor.  The funding will support the ongoing operations of the PELA CFDC over the next three years.

“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. Kramp.  “This long-term funding illustrates our commitment to the PELA CFDC and to the people and businesses of Prince Edward, Lennox, and Addington.”

“Now in its 21st year of operation, the PELA CFDC plays a leadership role in community economic development,” added Mr. Reid.  “Our government is proud to support this CFDC’s ongoing efforts to create jobs and improve the quality of life for the residents of the region.”

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 Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington CFDC 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 multi-year funding gives us the means to meet the ever-increasing needs of our clients,” said PELA Chair, John Jackson.  “We look forward to serving the businesses and residents of Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington Counties for many, many more years to come.”

The Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington CFDC 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://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca

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