July 21, 2006

Chelmsford, Ontario, July 21, 2006 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced the release of the report:  Economic Contribution of the Equine Industry to Northeastern Ontario.  The report explores the equine economy, its impact and opportunities in the regions of Nipissing, Sudbury, Manitoulin, Parry Sound and Temiskaming.

“The equine industry contributes $70 million annually to the economy of Northeastern Ontario,” said Minister Clement.  “This report outlines various opportunities for horse owners and local stakeholders to access the potential economic benefits of this sometimes overlooked sector.”

Among the recommendations contained in the report are the:
· development of an Equine Industry Association for Northeastern Ontario
· organization of a Northeastern Ontario Equine Conference and Show
· expansion of the ‘horsenorth’ website as a central source for industry information and best practices

FedNor provided a $27,000 investment in this initiative which was led by the South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), in collaboration with two other CFDCs – NECO, serving Nipissing East, and Economic Partners, serving communities in Sudbury East and West Nipissing.

“This initiative speaks to the great spirit of partnership and cooperation across Northern Ontario,” said Carman Kidd, Chair of the South Temiskaming CFDC.  “The equine report will help us focus and prioritize this valuable industry for a long and prosperous future.”

There are 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by Industry Canada's Community Futures Program, through FedNor.

To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, visit: http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca

For a copy of the Equine report, visit:  http://www.horsenorth.ca

For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Sandi Campbell
Manager, Communications, FedNor
705-670-6251 or 1-877-333-6673