May 19, 2005

SMITHS FALLS, Ontario, May 19, 2005 — The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Minister of State (FedNor), today announced Government of Canada support of $157,400 to the Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) to implement 10 Community Capacity initiatives under the Business Development component of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF).

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in initiatives that build on existing strengths in the regional economy and capitalize on opportunities to diversify,” said Minister Bélanger.  “These projects will benefit the area by boosting the tourism sector, enhancing local community services, and exploring the potential of implementing hi-speed Internet capabilities in the area.”

The EODF is a $10 million Government of Canada initiative announced in spring of 2004.  It promotes socio-economic development in rural Eastern Ontario, contributes to the successful development of business and job opportunities and sustainable self-reliant communities, and will lead to a competitive and diversified regional economy.

The Valley Heartland CFDC is one of 61 CFDCs in rural and Northern Ontario funded by Industry Canada’s Community Futures Program through FedNor.  CFDCs deliver a wide variety of programs and services to support community economic development and small business growth.  They employ local staff and are each governed by a volunteer board of directors, made up of local residents representative of the community.

“Through this funding, we can help stimulate business development and create jobs to contribute to the region’s prosperity,” said Jack Clements, Chair of the Valley Heartland CFDC.

Through the EODF, the Government of Canada is acting on its commitment to support economic growth and diversification in rural communities.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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

For more information, please contact:

Graeme Wilkes
Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi
(613) 947-5850

Yves Châteauneuf
Communications Officer, Industry Canada/FedNor
(519) 645-5684 or 1 877 333-6673