June 22, 2007

SARNIA, Ontario, June 22, 2007 — Sarnia–Lambton MP Patricia Davidson and Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MP Bev Shipley, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a federal investment of over $500,000 in the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), known as the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation, in support of its continued operations over two years.

“Canada’s New Government is proud to invest in the Sarnia Lambton Business Development Corporation,” said Ms. Davidson.  “It has been key in fostering economic development, diversity and job creation in the region and these accomplishments are a direct result of the investment our Government has made – and continues to make – in this CFDC.”

“Through our investment of over $500,000, the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation can continue to address important issues affecting the local economy, including small and medium-sized business growth in the area,” added Mr. Shipley.  “We appreciate the opportunity of working with the CFDCs to promote a strong local economy.”

Canada’s New Government is committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed.  Budget 2007, announced March 19th in Ottawa, introduced a number of key initiatives in support of the small business sector, including:

• reducing the federal paper 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

The Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation 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.

Over the last year, the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation invested over $1.1 million in small and medium-sized businesses in the region, resulting in the creation and maintenance of more than 450 full and part-time jobs, and contributing to an enhanced business community.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are important to the local economy, so it is vital that we have the tools to help them flourish,” said Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation Chair Jace Kohlmeier.

The Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation 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

Robert Naud

Senior Communications Officer, FedNor

613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673