There are 52 communities with a broad mandate for community economic development through business counselling, investment and other strategic initiatives to strengthen and diversify local economies. EDCO members who have CFDCs in their areas will find them useful and willing partners in pursuing connectedness priorities at the local level. We invite you to begin with the CFDC in your area to find out how the Government's connectedness agenda applies to you. Conclusion Connecting Canadians is a plan to help all Canadians acquire the skills and tools that will enable them to prosper in the global, knowledge-based economy. The members of EDCO are an important partner in connecting Ontario.
Partnerships are key to the success of such an initiative.
I would encourage you to visit the Connecting Canadians booth in the trade show, to find out more about the initiative and explore options for partnership at the local level. Industry Canada will continue to provide information to EDCO members through means such as our on-going regular feature in your newsletter. I hope you will take the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with us on how we can work together to foster economic development in Ontario.