FedNor Tony toots his horn

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR FEDNOR TONY CLEMENT

************************* FedNor: Partnership, prosperity, progress

As the minister responsible for FedNor, the government of Canada organization focused exclusively on economic development in Northern Ontario, I’m pleased to report on some of the great progress we’ve been making recently for the people of the Sault Ste. Marie region.

I have had the opportunity to witness some of the local FedNor partners in Sault Ste. Marie who are making a real difference.

Projects we have collaborated on include 2010 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and the Huron Central Railway.

These initiatives are helping Sault Ste. Marie to enhance business presence and promote new opportunities for development.

FedNor is also helping to bring high skilled, high pay innovation and knowledge-based jobs to the region through information technology and business assistance investment.

In addition, FedNor supports the Sault Ste. Marie Community Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that provides local business owners and entrepreneurs with business financing.

FedNor also administers the Economic Development Initiative which is helping to grow and sustain the economy of Francophone communities in sectors such as tourism, knowledge-based industries and small business.

Northern Ontario Mayors agree: FedNor is a key contributor to local economic development and business growth in Northern Ontario communities, including Sault Ste. Marie.

Our Conservative Government recognizes the importance of FedNor to Northern Ontario business and innovation, which is why we have invested almost $300 million in it since taking office.

This has meant that the people of northern communities such as Sault Ste. Marie will have the resources they need to compete in today and tomorrow’s economy.

Our shared priorities for Northern Ontario focus on three priority areas – community economic development; business growth and competitiveness; and innovation.

These priorities were established to help produce targeted, real results that benefit all of Northern Ontario.

Working with northern communities, FedNor has invested in almost 900 projects, all of which will have lasting effects on the region’s economy for our children, and our grandchildren.

Our government is providing essential economic and social services to the Northern Ontario region.

Through new schools, hospitals and small business financing, we are helping Northern Ontarians enjoy a better quality of life.

I encourage municipalities, First Nations, community organizations and business owners in Northern Ontario to continue to work together to develop partnerships and identify opportunities where FedNor can be of assistance.

The Harper government remains steadfast in our focus to help to protect and support hard working Canadians and their families.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan we have helped create jobs (480,000 in fact!), invested in meaningful infrastructure projects in communities across Canada, and continue to foster economic growth.

We're getting the job done.

As FedNor continues to work together with stakeholders across Northern Ontario, including those in Sault Ste. Marie, I believe the outlook for the region’s continued prosperity and progress is very bright indeed!

The Honourable Tony Clement, PC, MP.

MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and minister responsible for FedNor

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