April 5, 2005

HAWKESBURY, Ontario, April 5, 2005 — The Honourable Don Boudria, Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Minister of State (FedNor), today announced Government of Canada support of $74,500 to the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) known as the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation.  The funding will help the CFDC partner with the University of Guelph’s Collège d’Alfred campus to develop an Organic Research and Teaching Facility.  The Community Capacity project is being funded under the Business Development component of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF).

“This project will significantly benefit the region by enhancing the education sector,” said Mr. Boudria.  “By investing in CFDCs, the Government of Canada helps to create jobs and stimulate economic development in rural communities.”

The project will assist the institution in becoming the North American centre for research in organic milk production and animal farming.  It involves implementing the necessary physical infrastructure improvements to obtain an Organic Certification.  Project goals include establishing an organic research farm at Alfred to focus on animal science (dairy) and a venue accessible to the university and outside researchers, and for technology transfer.  A consultant will be hired to co-ordinate and oversee the creation of the facility.

The EODF is a $10 million Government of Canada initiative announced in the spring of 2004.  It promotes socio-economic development in rural Eastern Ontario, contributes to the successful development of business and job opportunities and sustainable self-reliant communities, and will lead to a competitive and diversified regional economy.

The Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation is one of 61 CFDCs in rural and Northern Ontario funded by Industry Canada’s Community Futures Program through FedNor.  CFDCs deliver a wide variety of programs and services to support community economic development and small business growth.  They employ local staff and are each governed by a volunteer board of directors, made up of local residents representative of the community.

“This contribution will assist us in fostering community diversity and supporting the growth of local businesses and organizations,” said Gilbert Héroux, President of the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation.

Through this initiative, the Government of Canada is acting on its commitment to support economic growth and diversification in rural communities.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and i therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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

For more information, please contact:

Graeme Wilkes
Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi
(613) 947-5850

Robert Naud
Senior Communications Officer, Industry Canada/FedNor
(613) 954-3691 or 1 877 333-6673