Government of Canada strengthen’s small business growth in Ontario’s far north

MOOSE FACTORY, Ontario, July 21, 2010 — Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, highlighted the Government of Canada’s continued support, through FedNor, of small business development and growth in Ontario’s northern most communities, many of them First Nations and members of the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council.

“Our government recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy. Ongoing investment in our government’s Community Futures Program is one way that we are helping communities in Northern Ontario strengthen employment and entrepreneurship,” said Minister Clement. “Over the last year, we have invested in the Program to better support local businesses in creating or maintaining jobs.”

FedNor supports the creation, growth and success of small and medium-sized businesses through the Government of Canada’s Community Futures Program. The Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is one of 24 CFDCs funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities. CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by a board of local volunteers and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.

“We are proud of our successful partnership with FedNor over the past 15 years,” said Bill Cachagee, Board Chair, Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation. “We look forward to serving our clients from our new office in Moose Factory’s Small Business and Youth Opportunity Centre, raising our profile throughout our service area and helping to make a difference.”

To find out more about FedNor and the Community Futures Program, visit: http://ic.gc.ca/cfdc-ontario

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For more information, please contact:

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

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-941-2105 or 1-877-333-6673