For immediate release: 25 July 2006

FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN BRANTFORD AREA GETS BOOST
McGuinty Government On The Side Of Families In Rural Ontario

BRANTFORD - The McGuinty government is helping the Grand Erie food-processing industry thrive and grow by investing in a strategy to develop the highly skilled workforce the industry needs, Dave Levac, MPP for Brant announced today on behalf of Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"The McGuinty government is on the side of families in rural Ontario," said Levac. "Through skills and knowledge training, this project will ensure a healthy, sustainable workforce that will support the growing food processing sector in the region. This strategy will build opportunities for students and job seekers, improve the reputation of the food processing industry, and increase employment opportunities in the region."

The government will contribute $97,612 through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to help the Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board develop a workforce development strategy for the industrial food processing industry. Project partners include the Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board, the Grand Erie District School Board, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, and the Grand Erie Learning Alternatives.

"We are pleased to receive assistance from the provincial government for our project," said Jill Halyk, executive director of the Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board. "This project supports economic retention, expansion and growth of the food processing industry in Grand Erie."

Other government initiatives in support of rural Ontario include:

• Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools with $230 million for school repairs, library books and transition programs
  
• Helping farmers by providing $800 million over the past three years for farm income stabilization and support programs, including $125 million to help grain and oilseed farmers, horticulture farmers and livestock industry
• Investing over $22 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development Program.

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships - a key part of the government's plan for rural Ontario.

Through the RED program, the Ontario government and its rural partners are building stronger communities that work better for the people who live in them.

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

Rural Investments Branch
519-826-3787