March 28, 2007

MOOSE FACTORY, Ontario, March 28, 2007 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced funding of $355,000 from Canada’s New Government to the Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) in support of its ongoing operations and for local economic development initiatives.

“Canada’s New Government’s investment of $355,000 will help support the Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation”, said Minister Clement.  “This investment will help the Wakenagun CFDC to provide local Aboriginal communities and businesses with the support, tools and resources they need to grow and succeed”.

Over the last year, the Wakenagun CFDC invested $252,510 and assisted in creating or maintaining 54 jobs, helping the business community grow.

The funding announced today will help the CFDC support regional economic development by providing business counselling services and loans to area entrepreneurs.

“With this funding, we can continue in our role as leaders in economic development for the communities in our service area,” said Bill Cachagee, Wakenagun CFDC Chair.  “We are proud of our achievements to date and will continue to work hard to improve the lives of First Nation peoples in the region.”

The Wakenagun 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