Minister Goodyear Delivers Keynote Address at Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations Annual Conference

SARNIA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 25, 2013) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), was in Sarnia today to meet with stakeholders from the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC).

Minister Goodyear delivered a keynote address at the OACFDC's 20^th Annual Conference. He discussed the evolving role of FedDev Ontario in the region, the important part the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) play in supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in Ontario's rural communities, and the value of these businesses to Canada's economy.

"Our Government is committed to building a sustainable economy and investing in rural communities across Canada," said Minister Goodyear. "Through the services delivered by the Community Futures Development Corporations, our Government continues to help businesses and communities make strategic investments now to create the foundation for long-term growth."

"We are pleased that Minister Goodyear is able to join us for our 20^th Annual Conference," said OACFDC President Denis Berube. "This year's theme, 'locally energized' truly reflects the enthusiasm of our Community Futures members."

Since its launch in 2009, FedDev Ontario has made significant progress in creating jobs and growing the economy. However, southern Ontario remains under considerable pressure, and more than ever our businesses need to be more innovative and productive, and must strive to access new markets. Businesses must lead these efforts but they need to be supported by others, including government.

In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continued commitment to workers, families and communities in southern Ontario with the renewal of FedDev Ontario.

Economic Action Plan 2013 provides $920 million for FedDev Ontario over five years, including $200 million for a new Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario, starting on April 1, 2014.

FedDev Ontario will also continue to promote business development, job creation and self-reliant communities in rural eastern Ontario through the extension of the Eastern Ontario Development Program.

With renewed funding, FedDev Ontario will continue to act as a champion for the region by supporting the development of a prosperous and globally competitive southern Ontario economy.

Details of new programming will be posted on the Agency's website at www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca as they become available, so stakeholders are encouraged to check back regularly.

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