May 25, 2007

MUNCEY, Ontario, May 25, 2007 — Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MP Bev Shipley, Sarnia–Lambton MP Patricia Davidson, Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound MP Larry Miller, and Chatham-Kent–Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a federal contribution of $287,500 to the Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, in support of its ongoing operations over one year.

“Canada’s New Government is proud to partner with the Tecumseh Community Development Corporation to help deliver services to First Nation communities and small businesses,” said Mr. Shipley.  “Last year, through our support, this Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) invested more than $1.1 million in local Aboriginal businesses resulting in the creation and maintenance of 148 jobs.”

“Community Futures organizations play an important role in this government’s efforts to create strong, self-sufficient communities, and with this investment here today we are once again delivering on our commitment to families and taxpayers throughout the region,” stated Ms. Davidson.

“This investment of $287,500 in the Tecumseh Community Development Corporation demonstrates our commitment to developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of Aboriginal communities,” added Mr. Miller.

“Canada’s New Government is making a real difference for Ontario’s rural Aboriginal communities by giving them the tools they need to create jobs and economic development opportunities,” said Mr. Van Kesteren.

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 Tecumseh Community 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.

“This funding will help create new opportunities for the communities and businesses we service,” said Warren Huff, Chair of the Tecumseh Community Development Corporation.  “This important partnership with the Government of Canada will help foster economic development, growth and diversification.”

The Tecumseh Community 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

The Tecumseh Community Development Corporation provides services to the following First Nations communities:

Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation
Walpole Island First Nation
Delaware Nation
Munsee-Delaware Nation
Oneida Nation
Chippewa of the Thames
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation
Caldwell First Nation