For immediate release: 25 July 2006

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HELPS NURTURE THE
NEXT GENERATION OF RURAL LEADERS
Funding Will Help Deliver Leadership Programs To Rural Ontario

QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government is continuing its strong support for learning opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"The McGuinty government is proud to continue its support for the Centre for Rural Leadership and the important rural leadership programs it offers," said Dombrowsky. "Today's announcement will help support training and learning opportunities for the future leaders of Ontario's rural and agricultural associations, businesses and communities."

The government is investing $152,000 over two years to support the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), one of the longest-running, most successful agricultural leadership development programs in the world. Today's announcement of $76,000 is the second installment under a two-year Memorandum of Understanding signed by the province and the Centre for Rural Leadership, which runs the program.

"The Ontario government has supported the AALP program since the beginning," said Rob Black, executive director of the Centre for Rural Leadership. "Their ongoing support has helped these leaders achieve new levels of success and has strengthened agriculture and rural communities throughout the province."

Through a series of seminars, study tours, self-directed learning and distance education over a 19-month period, 30 AALP participants develop leadership skills, an increased knowledge of the agri-food system, and perspectives on critical issues in the industry and rural community. Participants also expand their networks across the agri-food and rural sectors in North America and internationally.

The McGuinty government is on the side of families in rural Ontario. Other initiatives to support rural families and their communities include:

• Investing over $22 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development Program.
  
• Contributing up to $298 million to the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) over five years to improve and renew public infrastructure.
  

"This program has been highly successful in helping shape some of the finest leaders in the agri-food sector," says Dombrowsky. "By developing critical leadership skills and instilling confidence in people, the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program is helping to shape a strong future for the agriculture and food sector, and rural communities across Ontario."

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198