October 26, 2006

THUNDER BAY, Ontario, October 26, 2006 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $388,250 to the local Community Futures Development Corporation known as the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

“Canada’s New Government recognizes that one way of ensuring a strong economy is by investing in local entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Minister Clement.  “Our support helps to improve the lives of residents within the 33 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities.”

A FedNor contribution of $320,000 will be used to support the ongoing operations of the CFDC over the next year, including business services and access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as community economic development efforts.

An additional $50,000 will assist with smaller, economic development projects within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and the remaining $18,250 will be used to hire a consultant to identify the needs of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and design programs to increase business activity within the Aboriginal community.

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in Northern and rural Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.  CFDCs deliver a wide variety of programs and services to support community economic development and small business growth.

“We are committed to helping this region grow and this funding will allow us to continue our mandate,” said Madeline Commanda, Chair, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

By supporting the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

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

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer, FedNor
705-941-2105 or 1-877-333-6673