For immediate release: 30 August 2006

BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENS PERTH COUNTY ECONOMY
McGuinty Government Invests In Perth County

STRATFORD - The McGuinty government is investing in a business retention and expansion (BR+E) project that will help Perth County build a stronger and more competitive rural community, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, announced today.

"The McGuinty government is supporting rural Ontario through initiatives such as this in Perth County," said Dombrowsky. "This project will strengthen the local economy by providing community support for local businesses."

"Business retention and expansion and subsequent job creation are key priorities for Perth-Middlesex," said John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Middlesex. "This Rural Economic Development project investment demonstrates yet again that we are on the side of families in rural Ontario."

The government will contribute $62,000 to help the Corporation of the County of Perth develop a business retention and expansion project. The project will survey local businesses, focusing on manufacturing, including agriculture related manufacturing. The survey will provide data to assist the amalgamated municipalities to effectively implement economic development initiatives.

"We are pleased with the support of the provincial government on this project," said Ria Colquhoun, chief administrative officer for the County of Perth. "This BR+E project will help in the development of an economic development strategic action plan and will promote an integrated approach to economic development."

Other government initiatives that support a strong rural economy include:

• Investing $520 million in the Ontario Ethanol Growth Fund to expand ethanol production in Ontario
• Reducing the pressure on property taxes by picking up more of the tab for land ambulance and public health
• Investing over $23 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program.

Today's investment was made through the 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.

- 30 -

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

Brian Cardy
Rural Investments Branch
519 826-3787