News release
Office of the Secretary of State
(Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RURAL ALBERTA
STRATHMORE, ALBERTA, January 30, 2003 - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Edmonton West, is pleased to announce, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), Government of Canada funding of $35,561 from the Canadian Rural Partnership's Rural Development Initiative for a project coordinated by the Wild Rose Economic Development Corporation, called Rural Diversification and Community Adaptation Plan.
Every year, fifteen partnering rural communities near Calgary meet to review their community development plans and determine what adjustments need to be made. This year they will focus on the economic development mandate of the plan, which in turn will provide additional funds to address many of the area's social and environmental concerns.
"The initiative and willingness to cooperate among these communities is impressive," says Minister McLellan. "I am pleased the Government of Canada is able to support the next step in their community development efforts."
The Wild Rose Economic Development Corporation is attempting to diversify the local economy to reduce its reliance on the agricultural sector. This initiative will encourage stronger and more profitable business sector, enhanced cooperation between communities, and increased economic spin-offs.
"I wish all the communities involved in this initiative, much success in their economic development activities," says Mr. Mitchell. "Rural communities themselves are in the best position to develop strategies to overcome their local challenges and the collective approach these communities are taking is very positive."
The Rural Development Initiative supports rural and remote communities in creating and adopting sustainable community development strategies that will strengthen their ability to build local solutions to local challenges. The Rural Development Initiative is the second funding program under the Canadian Rural Partnership and will provide funding in the amount of $2.8 million to March 31, 2003. Rural Development Initiative projects support the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF).
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For more information, please contact:
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Christine Aquino Press Secretary Office of the Secretary of State (613) 759-1085 |  |
Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa (613) 759-7972 |
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