Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

For Immediate Release

February 29, 2008

Ontario Supports Cornwall Economy
McGuinty Government Helps Maintain and Create Jobs

Cornwall– The Ontario government is helping the City of Cornwall develop a strategic plan to help retain and expand businesses.

The Province is providing $37,000 to help create business surveys that will assess the current business climate, with a long-term goal of improving the community’s competitive advantage.

“This project will help encourage growth and stability in Cornwall while it transitions from a traditional manufacturing sector to a much more diversified economy,” said Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry on behalf of Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The primary goal is to assist new and existing businesses to locate and expand in the city.”

“This project will help increase competitiveness, identify and address any immediate business concerns and maintain and create jobs for the community,” said Bob Kilger, Mayor of the City of Cornwall.

Today’s investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, which invests in community-based projects that support sustainable rural economies in three priority areas: improved access to health care services, revitalized communities and downtowns, and enhanced skills training.

Through the RED Program, the province has invested $46.7 million in 144 projects, representing a total investment of $477.7 million in rural Ontario, since 2003. The Ontario government and its partners are building strong rural communities that work better for the people who live in them.

Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416-326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416-326-9342

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Email: red.omafra@ontario.ca