Niagara Falls —  The Honourable Rob Nicholson P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced more than $688,000 in investments for the City of Niagara Falls to improve Oakwood Drive and for Project Share of Niagara Falls to under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in Southern Ontario.

These investments will create immediate employment opportunities and support local economies in communities throughout Southern Ontario with populations of fewer than 250,000 that rely heavily on manufacturing and natural resources.

“Through our Economic Action Plan, we are taking concrete steps to stimulate the economy, and create jobs at the local level, in communities like Niagara Falls,” said Minister Nicholson.  “I look forward to seeing these projects get underway and seeing the positive impact they will have on our community.”

“The improvements at Oakwood Drive are more great news for Niagara,” said Mayor Salci. “This funding will assist with the development of our business-commercial sector along the QEW corridor and at the same time strengthen our economy by creating more jobs and assessment today.”

"This Community Adjustment Fund Grant will make it possible for us us to hire four new employees from October 2009 to March 2010. In 2009 the need for emergency food help has steadily increased each month. During this July and August alone, 648 and 584 people respectively, have required more help then last year. This grant not only allows us to provide employment, but these workers will help us meet the increased demand in our community for the families who need our help", said Elaine Harvey, Director of Project Share of Niagara Falls.

These projects were part of the up to $102 million investment made through the Community Adjustment Fund for 2009-2010, announced on August 27 by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, newly appointed Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It is the government's intention to support a total of 90 projects in communities across Southern Ontario that are struggling with the effects of the global economic downturn.

Approved projects must meet the terms and conditions set out in their funding agreements. A complete list of approved projects in Southern Ontario will be made available online at www.ic.gc.ca/caf on September 10, 2009.

Applications for 2010-2011 CAF project funds will be accepted by FedDev Ontario later this year. A public announcement will be made once details are finalized.

CAF is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.