STANDING UP FOR CANADA’S ECONOMY AND OUR COMMUNITIES

June 12, 2009

Government of Canada Investment Strengthens Leeds–Grenville, Lanark County and North Leeds Region

Kemptville, June 12, 2009 — Today, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in three Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) serving the Leeds–Grenville, Lanark County and North Leeds region. 

The funding will allow the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation (CDC), and the Valley Heartland CFDC to continue to offer business services, access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses and support community development projects for a three-year period.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the important role small and medium-sized enterprises play in strengthening the economy of our rural communities,” stated MP Brown. “We are proud to support the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation, the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation, and the Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation in their efforts to grow and diversify the local economy. They do a great job working in our communities.”

“Our long-standing partnership with the 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in Ontario is creating real results,” added Minister Clement. “By adopting a grassroots approach to economic development, the Community Futures program is building strong and sustainable communities through job creation and an enhanced business sector.”

“Today’s funding announcement gives us a strong mandate to build on our past success as we pursue future economic development opportunities in our communities,” said Pat McGahey, Chair of the Grenville CFDC. 

“We look forward to continuing our leadership role in the delivery of economic development services, collaborating with our regional partners to build smart communities,” echoed Lawrence Fielding, Chair of the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation.

“This three-year funding commitment will enable our organization to work strategically with local community and business stakeholders to foster economic development and job creation in the region,” added June Timmons, Vice Chair of the Valley Heartland CFDC.

The Government of Canada is contributing $2.7 million, through Industry Canada’s Community Futures Program, to be divided equally among the Grenville CFDC, the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and the Valley Heartland CFDC. To find out more about Ontario’s Community Futures Development Corporations, visit: http://ic.gc.ca/cfdc-ontario