Sarnia

CFFO Worried About Impact Of RED Changes On Rural Ontario

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario isn't happy with provincial plans to integrate the Rural Economic Development Program into the Jobs and Prosperity Fund.

The CFFO argues the move is going to take away significant support for rural economic development.

The Jobs and Prosperity Fund is focused on four key streams.

The CFFO points out only two of those streams - the Forestry Growth Fund and the Food and Beverage Growth Fund - are likely to benefit rural areas.

The Jobs and Prosperity Fund is restricted to private sector organisations and industry partners.

CFFO suggests that prevents access to funding for farm producers, community organisations, rural municipalities and others who benefitted from the Rural Economic Development Program.

RED also suppored many lower budget projects for small businesses, economic development organisations and municipalities while the Jobs and Prosperity Fund emphasizes large projects.

The CFFO warns the changes will severely restrict and reduce funding support for economic growth in rural areas of the province.

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Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

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