June 26, 2006

EMO, Ontario June 26, 2006 – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $1,406,000 in support of small business, community economic development and broadband services in the Rainy River District.

“The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities in Northern Ontario,” said Minister Clement.  “This investment will assist in developing business and economic opportunities that the Rainy River District has itself identified as priorities.”

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation (RRFDC) will use the funding to support its ongoing operations and the Local Initiatives Fund.  In addition, the RRFDC will extend broadband service in the region and work with community partners on five identified strategic initiatives.

In the last five years, Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario have provided loans and business counseling activities to help the small business sector create or maintain 10,500 jobs in the North.  Since 2002, the RRFDC assisted in creating or maintaining 202 jobs.

“We look forward to working with our partners over the next three years to build on our region’s strengths,” said Russ Fortier, Chair of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.  “This funding will enable us to continue to enhance business and job opportunities in the region.”

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is one of 61 CFDCs 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 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