CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $576 000 IN PETERBOROUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

January 10, 2007

Peterborough, Ontario – Peterborough MP, Dean Del Mastro, and Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MP, Barry Devolin, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, are pleased to announce that a $576,000 investment in the Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) has resulted in more than 42 economic development projects in the region. The funding was provided through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), a $10-million socioeconomic development initiative announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2006.

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Eastern Ontario through this EODP investment,” said Mr. Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough. “This program is important because it provides economic development solutions that are tailored to our community”.

“This program plays a vital role in bringing together local stakeholders to work on community economic development priorities, such as developing a highly skilled workforce and creating jobs for youth,” said Mr. Devolin, Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MP, “Canada’s New Government recognizes the important role CFDCs play in revitalizing the regional economy.”

The EODP funding will support projects in five key areas, namely business and community development, access to capital, skills development, retention and attraction of youth, and technological enhancements.

Managed by FedNor, the Government’s economic development organization responsible for the Community Futures Program in rural Ontario, the EODP is being delivered by the 15 CFDCs serving rural Eastern Ontario.

“This funding will allow us to better address local economic and business development needs and priorities in the region,” said Daryl Bennett, Chair of the Peterborough CFDC. “We look forward to working with our many community partners to help ensure a prosperous future for our area.”

To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, visit http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca. To learn more about the Eastern Ontario Development Program, visit FedNor’s Web site.