Hello again
I’d like to begin by recognizing all of the volunteers in our region who work with our Community Futures Development Corporations.  You are also striving to achieve greater economic opportunities for our communities and you do a tremendous job every day.

So a big thank you is due to the volunteer Board members and staff of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation, the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and the Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation who are doing such a great job on behalf of the businesses, residents and communities of this region.

These local organizations provide an invaluable service: 
They provide support for community-based initiatives;
They help businesses get that first start; and  
They encourage local entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government understands that encouraging small business owners and building the capacity of our rural communities are key elements to strengthening Canada's economy, and our country.

This is especially important during a global economic slowdown and that is why we have put Canada’s Economic Action Plan in motion.

Our Plan is a clear and decisive response to the economic challenges facing Canada, designed to stimulate our economy and protect Canadians.

Just last month we announced $500 million nationally over two years in support of the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC) to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities.

Ontario communities are experiencing the effects of the global recession maybe more so than any other region in Canada.  That is why we created the $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund.

A two year initiative, the Fund will help accelerate job creation and assist resource and manufacturing-dependent communities with their economic diversification.

This initiative is needed in Ontario and available – now. Close to $350 million is accessible to Ontario communities to further develop their economies and create jobs.

And of course you know about the announcements we have made for infrastructure funding last week and back in February.

And specifically for this region, our Government recently announced an investment of $20 million to support the renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program for an additional two years.

These initiatives, introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, have a singular goal – to address the short-term impacts of the global economic downturn on communities across Canada, while strengthening our nation for when we emerge from this tough period.

Of course, another vital tool in our government’s efforts to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of Canadians here in Eastern Ontario and across the country is the Community Futures program.

Clearly, the three CFDCs serving this region – Grenville, 1000 Islands and Valley Heartland – are having a positive impact.

Their collective efforts within the communities they serve help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and create jobs and opportunity.

On behalf of my federal colleague, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, I’m pleased to announce a Government of Canada investment of $2.7 million in the three Community Futures Development Corporations.

This represents an investment of $900,000 over three years in each of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation, the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation, and the Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation.  

This funding, will be used to support the ongoing operations of each CFDC for another three years.

In closing, let me acknowledge once again the dedication and commitment of the volunteer Board members and staff of the Grenville, 1000 Islands and Valley Heartland CFDCs.

Here’s to your continued success.

Thank you.