July 10, 2007

LINDSAY, Ontario, July 10, 2007 — Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MP Barry Devolin, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a federal contribution of $100,000 to the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) to help build the Exhibition Building at the new location of the Lindsay Agricultural Society’s Fairgrounds.  Funding for this project is provided through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), a socio-economic development initiative announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2006.

“This investment of $100,000 demonstrates how Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people and families of the Kawartha Lakes region,” said Mr. Devolin.  “By investing in the Lindsay Fairgrounds, we are providing the tools communities and businesses need to build on local strengths, create jobs and develop the economy.”

The building will be suitable for the needs of the Lindsay Central Exhibition, the Annual Craft Show and future tradeshows and events.  The facility will create year-round economic opportunities – for both the Lindsay Agricultural Society and the local community.

Budget 2007, announced March 19th in Ottawa, introduced a number of key initiatives in support of the small business sector, including:

• reducing the federal paperwork burden on small business
• reducing the tax compliance burden on small business
• introducing tax reductions which will lower Canada’s tax rate on new business investment

Managed by FedNor, the regional economic development organization responsible for the Community Futures Program in rural Ontario, the EODP is being delivered by the 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout rural Eastern Ontario.

The Kawartha Lakes CFDC provides services to support local economic development and small business growth, including: access to capital, business services, community-based projects, and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

“This Government of Canada funding in support of the Lindsay Fairgrounds through the EODP is a strategic investment in tourism and commerce, and we are pleased to be able to play a part in it,” said Kawartha Lakes CFDC Chair John Bennett.

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

Robert Naud
Senior Communications Officer, FedNor
613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673