Government of Canada Supports The Economic Growth of Northern Ontario’s Francophone Communities

SUDBURY, Ontario, January 7, 2010 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of more than $1million in 21 projects to help official language minority communities (OLMCs) in Northern Ontario make the most of local business and economic development opportunities.

“Today’s announcement clearly demonstrates our Government’s commitment to developing the economy of Northern Ontario while promoting linguistic duality and enhancing the vitality of official language minority communities,” said Minister Clement. “These projects were selected for their ability to help Northern Ontario capitalize on the economic benefits of Canada’s linguistic duality.”

Projects announced today were assessed as part of the first intake for the Economic Development Initiative (EDI). The EDI will provide up to $4.5M over five years to encourage sustainable growth in Northern Ontario’s Francophone communities.

The EDI is a part of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future, the Government of Canada's strategy for official languages which was previously announced by the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Within the framework of the Roadmap, the EDI seeks to address the specific economic development circumstances and needs of each region.

Investment made through the EDI complement measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan to help communities overcome the challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. Initiatives such as the Community Adjustment Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund are important tools in the Government of Canada’s strategy to revitalize the economy of Northern Ontario.

“We are encouraged by today’s announcement that the Government of Canada is investing in the growth of official language minority communities,” added Lynne Lamontagne, President of l’ACFO du Grand Sudbury Inc. “The funding will benefit youth, support the development of businesses, and promote economic development of OLMCs throughout the region.”

A complete list of FedNor-funded projects selected as part of the first intake of the EDI is available at: http://ic.gc.ca/eic/site/fednor-fednor.nsf/eng/fn03230.html

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/fednor

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For more information, please contact:

Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-995-9001

Carol Deguire
Senior Communications Officer
FedNor
705-670-5327 or 1-877-333-6673