June 28, 2006

PARRY SOUND, Ontario, July 28, 2006 – Parry Sound-Muskoka MP, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced an investment of almost $1.4M in the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) known as the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre.  The Minister made the announcement during the official groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Parry Sound Municipal Airport.

“This announcement reflects the new Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening rural communities by creating greater opportunities for the people who live and work here,” stated Minister Clement.  “The investment we’ve made in the Parry Sound Area CFDC and the airport expansion is significant.  It plays big a role in helping the local economy because it creates lasting job opportunities and enhances business prospects.”

FedNor’s investment will:

• support the CFDC’s operational costs for a period of three years including: access to capital, business counselling and information services, and community economic development activities ($870,000)
• support the expansion of the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport ($352,500)
• allow the CFDC to fund local, small-scale economic development projects ($150,000)

In the last five years, Northern Ontario CFDCs have provided loans and business counselling services to help the small business sector create or maintain 10,500 jobs in the North.  Last year, the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre invested more than $1.2M and assisted in creating or maintaining 54 jobs, contributing to an enhanced business community.

“We can now continue building on our economic strengths, such as the tourism sector,” said Fred Dimmick, Chair of the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre.  “This new funding will assist us in encouraging greater economic diversity in our region.”

Following the airport groundbreaking event, Minister Clement took part in the official opening ceremonies of the Rosseau Waterfront.  With FedNor’s support, the Township of Seguin and Village of Rosseau were able to improve their waterfront and village streetscape, which will attract more tourists to the region.

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