Van Kesteren announces $50,000 in Government of Canada support for Chatham-Kent Essex communities

May 24, 2006

CHATHAM -The Government of Canada will provide funding to support some Ontario communities in their efforts to attract foreign investment. The Community Investment Support Program (CISP) announcement was made on behalf of Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, David Emerson, by Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex.

“Chatham-Kent Essex communities are actively working to attract, retain and expand foreign investment," said Dave Van Kesteren, adding that the specific projects in question will not only encourage investment, but also enhance the communities' capacity to deal effectively with investors- "Such efforts offer tremendous benefits-bringing new technologies and capital flows to the companies in our communities and creating jobs and wealth for area citizens."

Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Approved Funding: $50,000
The CISP support will be used for three initiatives. The city will undertake a targeted investment, attraction and retention program in the U.S., Germany and Austria. Also, the city will be represented at target sector trade shows. As well, six staff members will attend Year 2 of EDAC training at the University of Waterloo.

Across Canada, a total of 138 projects will receive funding totalling $4.8 million through the Community Investment Support Program (CISP). CISP helps communities to develop business cases, plan and execute promotional initiatives, build capacity and gain experience in investment attraction- Under the program, communities can apply for up to 50 percent in matching funds to assist in the development and execution of local investment attraction strategies- Applications are evaluated according to their quality and innovation, anticipated economic benefits, and the level of public-private sector partnership.

Full project descriptions for 2006-2007 can be found at www.international.gc.ca