October 25, 2004 VANCOUVER, B.C. -- In the last six months, Western Economic Diversification Canada, through its network of Community Futures Development Corporations, has invested over $460,000 in B.C.’s rural communities. Seventeen projects aimed at increasing the amount of sustainable business opportunities in the communities were funded. The remarkable success of the Community Futures program is rooted in the dedication of volunteers and staff who work directly with local residents, businesses, and organizations to determine community needs and priorities,” said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “The work of Community Futures reflects Western Economic Diversification Canada’s commitment to creating new economic opportunities throughout British Columbia.” In partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Community Futures Development Corporations throughout rural B.C. help create opportunities in entrepreneurship and sustainable development. The extraordinary impact of Community Futures’ diverse initiatives, opportunities, and business services is evident,” said Ken White, Chair of the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. “We are committed to continuing our goal of delivering distinct capacity building and community economic development programs to our clients.” Established in 1992, the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. represents 33 individual Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout rural British Columbia. The organizations foster local entrepreneurship, as well as promote, coordinate and implement a variety of economic development initiatives for their respective communities. They offer a variety of entrepreneurial programs, business counseling, loan programs and business information to people interested in expanding or starting their own businesses. Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. Backgrounder attached. For additional information, contact: Susan Schooley Communications Manager Western Economic Diversification Canada Phone: (604) 666-1318 Renee Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification Canada Phone: (613) 954-1110 Ken White Chair Community Futures Development Association of B.C. Phone: 1-866-685-2332 Web Site: www.communityfutures.ca WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca
