Standing Up For Canada's Economy And Our Communities
Government of Canada Supports Economic Development
For Ontario’s Official Language Minority Communities

CORNWALL, Ontario, May 20, 2009 -- Today, Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced the launch of a five-year, $8.9 million initiative that will help official language minority communities in Ontario make the most of local business and economic development opportunities.

“The Economic Development Initiative will be a major boost to Ontario’s Francophone communities by supporting business and economic development activities that encourage sustainable growth,” said MP Lauzon.

“At a time when Canadians are feeling the effects of the global economic downturn, this Government is making sure communities and businesses have the tools they need to take advantage of development and growth opportunities,” said Minister Clement.

The Economic Development Initiative is a part of the “Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future”, the Government of Canada's strategy for official languages which was previously announced by the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Within the framework of the Roadmap, the Economic Development Initiative will be jointly delivered by Industry Canada, the regional development agencies (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions and Western Economic Diversification Canada) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada with the common goals of encouraging the development of new business expertise through innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships and diversifying economic activities in official language minority communities.

The Economic Development Initiative seeks to address the specific economic development circumstances and needs of each region. It will help grow the economy of Francophone communities in sectors such as Francophone tourism, cultural, knowledge-based and manufacturing industries.

To find out more about the Economic Development Initiative in Ontario, please visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/edi.

To find out more about the Economic Development Initiative in Southern Ontario, please visit us at: southernontario.gc.ca.

For more information please contact the designated FedDev Ontario Officer in Southern Ontario.

For more information, please contact:

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-995-9001

Robert Naud
Senior Communications Officer
FedNor Communications Unit
613-954-3691 or 1-877-333-6673