The Central Development Corporation on P.E.I. recently received federal and provincial funding to help enhance its program to attract and retain newcomers to rural parts of the province.
CDC is implementing a Welcoming Communities Program, designed to attract and retain newcomers to rural P.E.I. and a Community Capacity Fund, an initiative that supports the
Recently, the federal and provincial governments announced more than $200,000 to support these two projects.
This investment is part the Atlantic Growth Strategy that supports strategic initiatives and organizations that encourage rural development and immigration.
“The Central Development Corporation’s mandate is to facilitate economic development across central P.E.I.,” said Gordon Coffin, chairman of the CDC. “Programs like this, in support of business development and integrating newcomers in our communities, will make our area more attractive and prosperous for all.”
The Welcoming Communities Program has been developed and introduced in other parts of Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and supports the concept that newcomers who feel welcome are more likely to enjoy better social outcomes, greater social integration and stronger economic growth. The ultimate goal is for everyone to be able to fully participate in the economic, civic and social life of rural communities.
The Community Capacity Fund program provides consulting and professional services to not-for-profit organizations to support strategic planning, capacity building, sector development and community competitiveness.
The federal government is contributing $18,000 and the province of P.E.I. is contributing $15,000 to the Welcoming Communities Program; while the the federal government is contributing $96,250 and the P.E.I. government is contributing $75,250 to the Community Capacity Fund.
