March 25, 2008

ALLISTON, Ontario, March 25, 2008 — The Government of Canada is continuing to support the growth and success of small and medium-sized businesses through an investment in the Nottawasaga Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).

A federal contribution of $547,500 to the CFDC, through FedNor, was announced today by the Honourable Helena Guergis, Member of Parliament for Simcoe–Grey, and the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament for York–Simcoe, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor.  Of the total, $297,500 will go toward the continued operations of the organization for the next year, while the remaining $250,000 is earmarked to support its investment activities in the region.

“Our Government recognizes the vital importance of the Nottawasaga CFDC to the residents and businesses in the region,” stated MP Guergis.  “The services offered by the CFDC are a key factor in the success of many small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.”

“This Government of Canada investment will allow the CFDC to continue to work with local partners to foster economic diversification, expand the business base and create jobs for the people of South Simcoe,” added Minister Van Loan.

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 Nottawasaga CFDC provides services to enhance local economic development and small business growth, including:  access to capital; business services; support for community-based projects; and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

"We are proud of the leadership role we play in this region and this funding will allow us to continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of our clients,” said Nottawasaga CFDC Board President, Mary Munnoch.  "We appreciate the ongoing confidence and support shown by the Government of Canada."

The Nottawasaga 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:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

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