Government of Canada Continues Support for Jobs and Growth in Rural Eastern Ontario

KITCHENER, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 23, 2011) - The Government of Canada yesterday demonstrated its continued commitment to economic development, job creation and growth in rural eastern Ontario with a proposed two-year renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program. The renewal was included as part of the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan highlighted in Budget 2011-12, and subject to Parliamentary approval. The program is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

"Our government wants to make sure that the hard-working families and businesses of rural Ontario have the tools they need to succeed," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario. "The Eastern Ontario Development Program is an important tool in FedDev Ontario's support of rural communities throughout eastern Ontario and I am thrilled to see that it will be renewed for another two years."

The Eastern Ontario Development Program promotes socio-economic development in eastern Ontario by creating, building and developing the necessary conditions to increase business and employment opportunities in the area. The program has encouraged new projects and community plans, mobilized community stakeholders and helped to form partnerships.

The Government of Canada's renewed commitment to the program is based on its success and a strong delivery model in partnership with the Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout eastern Ontario. Since it was launched, the program has led to the investment of more than $55 million through 5,300 business and community development projects. The renewed Eastern Ontario Development Program will focus on ensuring that the program is delivered as effectively as possible for the businesses and communities of Eastern Ontario. More information will be provided by FedDev Ontario in the coming months.

FedDev Ontario was created as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to support businesses and communities in southern and eastern Ontario. Now in its second year of operation, the Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to support businesses and other organizations through partnerships and investments in skills and training; innovation; research and development; and increased productivity. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.