For release: December 21, 2005

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS PROSPERITY IN ELLIOT LAKE
Invests In Business Retention And Expansion Project

QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government is supporting northern prosperity in the City of Elliot Lake by investing in a plan to help local businesses thrive, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced today.

"The McGuinty government is working with rural Ontario to provide the right tools for communities like Elliot Lake to thrive," said Dombrowsky. "Stronger rural communities mean more opportunities for their residents and a better quality of life."

The Ontario government will invest $17,500 to help the City of Elliot Lake and its partners develop a business action plan for economic development. The project will identify and resolve issues relating to business retention and expansion, and provide community support for local businesses.

"This announcement is another part of our plan to help communities in Northern Ontario succeed," said David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources. "By helping Elliot Lake businesses, we're helping the entire community."

"We are delighted that the Ontario government has provided funding for this project, which will allow the municipality and its partners to enhance our dialogue with the local business community," said George Farkouh, Mayor of Elliot Lake. "This project will definitely help improve the business climate and create jobs in Elliot Lake."

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:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3072