For Release: September 29, 2005

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS QUINTE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Program Will Encourage Apprenticeships, Support Manufacturing

BELLEVILLE - The Ontario government is building stronger, more prosperous, rural communities in the Quinte region by investing in training for people who work in, or want to work in, the manufacturing sector, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"The Ontario government is committed to meeting the top priorities for rural Ontario - strong communities, a strong economy and success for students," said Dombrowsky. "Today's announcement supports Ontario's plan to ensure that rural communities in the Quinte region offer more local opportunities to their residents and a better quality of life."

The Ontario government will contribute more than $1 million to Quinte Economic Development Commission and its partners, Trenval Business Development Corporation, and Quinte Manufacturer's Association of the Quinte Industrial Consortium. Customized training will be developed to enhance the skills of existing workers and apprenticeships. Marketing tools will be produced to encourage high school students to pursue careers in the manufacturing sector.

"The Integrated Workforce Development Initiatives will help improve the competitiveness of our local manufacturing sector," said Ernie Parsons, MPP for Prince-Edward Hastings. "I look forward to seeing the Greater Quinte Region on the forefront of investment readiness."

"Investing in prosperity for Ontarians is one of our government's top priority," said Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland. "I am confident that this project will continue to strengthen the education and skills of our people."

"We are extremely pleased that the Ontario government is supporting the partnership we have established between the manufacturing sector, economic development, and Loyalist College," said Quinte Economic Development Commission Chairman John Williams. "This investment will help keep our labour force skilled and ready in order to meet the changing needs of the industry."

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships, and is a key part of the government's plan for rural Ontario. The rural plan provides a coordinated framework across government to build on rural Ontario's strengths - committed people, diverse economic opportunities, unrivalled resources and a solid sense of community.

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Contact:
Tyler Fleming
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3077