“The Government of Canada is making smart investments and putting forward solutions to help Southern Ontario communities move beyond the tobacco-based production,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Member of Parliament for Haldimand-Norfolk. “This fund will generate economic development, encourage entrepreneurship and foster innovation.”

The Sand Plains Community Development Fund is built upon two complementary components. The Community Development Support component will provide funding to projects designed to develop new and sustainable opportunities. The Access to Capital component will increase the availability of capital for small businesses by providing loans with long term and flexible repayment terms.

“Our government is delivering support for community-based initiatives that will enhance regional development and achieve an innovative, sustainable and vibrant economy beyond the tobacco-based industry,” said Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, who made the announcement with Minister Finley on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “I’m proud to be part of a government that invests in our communities and makes sure they can prosper and grow for years to come.”

The fund will be administered by the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations and is part of the Tobacco Transition Program announced last year that has provided over $300 million to the region. Tobacco producers have already benefited from $285 million to transition from the industry when they retired 99.8 percent of their quota through the program this spring.

For more information on the Sand Plains Community Development Fund, please visit www.ontcfdc.com or www.sandplains.ca.

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Diana Jedig
Executive Director
Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations
888-633-2326