Garden River gets federal money to slake some thirsts

Garden River First Nation will soon be slaking the thirst of at least two other nations.

Tony Clement, federal health minister and minister responsible for FedNor, announced that the Government of Canada will be funding a new beverage business there.

"FedNor funding will support the business plan implementation for a proposed new beverage production and packaging firm which will be wholly-owned by Garden River First Nation," Minister Clement said while making a slew of announcements at Sault College today.

"The new company will produce proprietary, licensed, co-packed and private-label lines of non-alcoholic beverages for sale domestically and in the United States," Clement said. "We checked out the business plan and it looks very good. We think this business has a very good chance of success and it's a low-risk investment for us."

FedNor invested $500,000 in the firm through the Garden River Opportunities Program.

Also announced today was funding for St. Marys Renewable Energy Corporation for a feasibility study, business plan and engineering design for a new biomass-fired heat and electricity producing facility.

The full text of Industry Canada/ FedNor's news release follows:

************************* Algoma and Manitoulin regions benefit from a Government of Canada investment of more than $5.4 million

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The Government of Canada is continuing to enhance the economic outlook for Northern Ontario through investments announced today supporting small business development and growth, innovation, youth retention, tourism and education.

The Honourable Tony Clement, minister of health and minister for FedNor, today announced more than $5.4 million in FedNor funding for 24 projects in the Algoma and Manitoulin regions.

Minister Clement made the announcements during a visit to Sault Ste. Marie, where he also addressed delegates at the 2008 Federation of Northern Ontario (FONOM) conference.

"Today's announcements illustrate the Government of Canada's unyielding commitment to improving the lives of the residents of Algoma, Manitoulin and indeed all of Northern Ontario," said Minister Clement. "I am proud to say that in just a few years, our government has committed approximately $127 million in support of almost 700 projects across Northern Ontario."

As reaffirmed in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada is making investments in people, knowledge, modern infrastructure and a sound and efficient financial sector to provide the foundation for global success.

"On behalf of all the communities and organizations benefiting from this funding, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continued support from Minister Clement and FedNor," said Sault Ste. Marie Mayor John Rowswell. "We certainly appreciate the faith they have shown in our ongoing efforts to achieve economic growth and create jobs in the North."

By supporting the residents of Algoma and Manitoulin through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, please click here.

************************* Click here for details on the 29 projects being funded.