For release: December 29, 2005

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS PROSPERITY
IN NORTHERN COMMUNITIES
Invests In Business Retention And Expansion Project

QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government is building stronger communities by investing in a plan to help businesses thrive, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced today.

"The McGuinty government is committed to investing in prosperity for our people," said Dombrowsky. "Today's announcement is part of Ontario's rural plan to build stronger northern communities that offer their residents a better quality of life."

The government will invest $17,500 to help the Blind River Chamber of Commerce and its partners create and economic development plan. The plan will identify and address issues faced by local businesses, and improve local training opportunities for youth.

"This announcement is good news for Blind River, and good news for Northern Ontario," said David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources. "Helping businesses succeed is a crucial part of the McGuinty government's commitment to Northern Ontario, and today's announcement reflects that commitment."

"We are pleased that the Ontario government has chosen to support this project," said Wilma Bissiallon, co-president, Blind River Chamber of Commerce. "The economic development plan will help our community to participate alongside larger northern cities in building a stronger economy for Northern Ontario."

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