June 27, 2006

NORTH BAY, Ontario (June 27, 2006) – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced an investment of $930,000 in Nipissing East Community Opportunities (NECO), a Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).  This funding will be used to support the operations of the CFDC over the next three years, including business counselling and information services, access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as community economic development efforts.

“Canada’s new government is proud to support small business,” said Minister Clement.  “Our government believes in supporting community-driven organizations. They know best how to help their communities prosper.”

In the last five years, Ontario CFDCs have provided loans and business counselling to help small businesses create or maintain thousands of jobs.  Last year, the NECO CFDC invested $838,173 in the Nipissing - Timiskaming and Parry Sound – Muskoka region.

“This FedNor investment will enable NECO to continue providing much-needed support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, and to work with community stakeholders to improve the local economy,” added Caren Gagné, Chair of Nipissing East Community Opportunities.

FedNor helps rural and northern communities strengthen their economies and create jobs.  By partnering with CFDCs, 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

Robert Naud
Senior Communications Officer, FedNor
(613) 954-3691 or 1 877 333-6673