November 3, 2006

KAPUSKASING, Ontario, November 3, 2006 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced over $1.4M in FedNor funding to the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).  Of the total, approximately $330,000 will support a Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, with the remaining dollars supporting North Claybelt’s ongoing operations for the next three years.

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Northern Ontario,” said Minister Clement.  “This Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative will help keep the North’s youth from leaving their communities, an issue of vital concern to this government.”

The North Claybelt CFDC has been involved in several youth activities since 2001 and is recognized as a leader in this area.  As a result, they have been selected to lead the Initiative on behalf of eight CFDCs in the region.  Keeping youth in the North was identified as a priority by all CFDCs during a planning exercise earlier this year.

FedNor funding will enable North Claybelt to hire a Regional Coordinator to provide guidance, training and mentorship to participating CFDCs and their community partners in developing a number of youth entrepreneurship programs across the region.  This includes Youth and Teen Enterprise Camps, presentations and business competitions at both the secondary and elementary school levels.

“We are proud to have been asked to lead this Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative and look forward to working with our partners to help keep our youth in the North when they are ready to enter the working environment,” stated North Claybelt CFDC Chair, Barbara Major.  By supporting the North Claybelt CFDC, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at:  http://fednor.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