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  Monday, December 18, 2006

News Release
Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

December 18, 2006 - 209

Ontario Helps Hunt Camp Convert To Solar Power - #970033

McGuinty Government On The Side Of Northerners

SUDBURY – The Ontario government is helping a fishing and hunting outfitter reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by helping to install a solar energy system, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“We are on the side of northerners,” said Bartolucci. “That is why we are supporting northern businesses in their efforts to acquire environmentally friendly energy sources that help reduce long-term operational costs.”

The province is providing $8,200 to Lake St. Joe Adventures in the Sioux Lookout area to purchase and install a solar power system which will provide electricity for lights, water and refrigeration at their fishing and hunting camp.  The new system will allow them to reduce their fossil fuel costs and eliminate the hazardous use of propane. Funding is provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s (NOHFC) Small Business Energy Conservation Program.

“Our government is committed to the economic development of northern communities by helping key sectors like tourism find new and better ways to do business,” said Bartolucci, who also chairs the NOHFC.

Other McGuinty government initiatives in support of northerners include:

• Investing $1.8 billion over a five-year period to upgrade and expand northern highways
• Committing $1 billion since June 2005 in various programs to assist Ontario’s forest sector over a five-year period
• Maintaining a province-wide system of Ontario Travel Information Centres that provided tourism information to 1.8 million visitors last year.

These initiatives are part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The Northern Prosperity Plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454 

Michel Lavoie 
MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury
(705) 564-7125

www.nohfc.com

www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca