North Simcoe Area Receives Government of Canada Support

MIDLAND, Ontario, (June 29, 2006) — Simcoe North MP, Bruce Stanton, and Simcoe-Grey MP, Helena Guergis, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $930,000 in the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) in support of the organization’s operations over the next three years.

“Ontario CFDCs are key partners in helping the Government of Canada foster economic development, growth and stability,” said Mr. Stanton.

“The North Simcoe CFDC has an impressive track record of working with local stakeholders to stimulate the small business sector and the local economy,” commented Ms. Guergis.

The North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation will use the funding to provide services to support local economic development and small business growth, including:

• access to capital;
• business services; and
• strategic community planning and development.

In the last five years, Ontario CFDCs have provided loans and business counselling to help the small business sector create or maintain 27,000 jobs. Last year, the North Simcoe CFDC invested $379,925 and assisted in creating or maintaining 106 jobs, contributing to an enhanced business community.

“Our goal is to see this region flourish and this funding will enable us to effectively promote economic growth and stability in the North Simcoe area,” said Ronald Asselin, Chair of the North Simcoe CFDC.

The North Simcoe CFDC is one of 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.

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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