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January 17, 2008

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, January 17, 2008 —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, today announced a federal contribution of $292,500 to the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) operating as the Greater Peterborough Business Development Centre (BDC), in support of its ongoing operations.

“Our government recognizes the Greater Peterborough CFDC’s role in fostering business growth, job creation and diversification, and this investment demonstrates our support for the tremendous work it carries out,” said Mr. Del Mastro.

CFDCs are uniquely equipped to identify and address the challenges and opportunities at the grassroots level and we are proud of our ongoing commitment to rural Ontario through the Community Futures Program,” stated Mr. Devolin.

Budget 2007 introduced a number of key initiatives in support of the small business sector, including:

  • reducing the federal paper burden
  • reducing the tax compliance burden
  • reducing taxes on new business investment

The Greater Peterborough CFDC provides services to support local economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business services, community-based projects, and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

Over the last year, the CFDC invested more than $1.4 million in small and medium-sized businesses in the region, resulting in the creation or maintenance of 169 full and part-time jobs, and contributing to an enhanced business community.

“We are proud of our leadership role in contributing to the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in our region,” said George Gillespie, Chair of Greater Peterborough CFDC.  “We appreciate the faith that Canada’s Government has shown in supporting our ongoing efforts.”

The Greater Peterborough Business Development Centre is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.

To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, visit:  http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca

 

For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Mario Paluzzi
Communications Officer, FedNor
705-941-2064 or 1-877-333-6673