Federal-Provincial Partnership Funding will
Help Seed Winnipeg Develop Inner City Economy

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – SEED Winnipeg Inc. will continue to stimulate business and job creation for low-income residents in Winnipeg's North End, thanks to a $450,000 contribution from the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement. In addition, Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Manitoba Native Affairs Secretariat are each providing $75,000 towards the project to bring the total federal-provincial assistance to $600,000.

Eric Stefanson, Manitoba Finance Minister, and Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification, made the joint funding announcement today at the SEED offices, located at 400 Logan. Funding consists of equal contributions by the federal and provincial governments.

"By removing some of the challenges facing residents and business owners in our inner-city, SEED Winnipeg helps bring goals to reality, and contributes to the long-term, sustainable economic development of Winnipeg's core area," said Mr. Stefanson. "This project is a fine example of how partnerships between governments and the community can generate widespread benefits."

"Every job created and every business success contributes to a stronger inner city community," said Mr. Duhamel. "Organizations like SEED make a lasting difference because they work towards a better quality of life for the citizens of its community."

SEED Winnipeg which stands for "Supporting Employment and Economic Development" will build on its existing programs by consulting and coordinating with community agencies to continue creating a long-term economic development strategy for the north end. The funding will be used for project start-up and operating expenses, and will provide SEED Winnipeg with stable long-term financing to support and coordinate projects designed to strengthen the community's economic base.