Province offers financial help for Elliot Lake

Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, issued the following statement today on economic supports for Elliot Lake:

“I want to echo the words of Premier McGuinty and recognize the people of Elliot Lake for their extraordinary resilience throughout the tragic events surrounding the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall. I once again convey my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Lucie Aylwin and Doloris Perizzolo.

While we search for answers, the McGuinty government is working diligently to help the community move forward.

Today, the Ontario government is establishing a temporary Provincial Economic Revitalization Office in Elliot Lake that will help us work more closely with the municipality and local businesses on a daily basis. The office will serve as a single point of access for all inquiries and issues directed to the Ontario government about the community’s economic recovery.

We’ve also approved a two-year, $2-million emergency business continuity fund through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation so the City of Elliot Lake can help displaced businesses get re-established as quickly as possible and advance other priority economic development projects.

The municipality and its economic development partners will also receive $50,000 for an economic development and diversification strategy for mid- to long-term initiatives.

While there is still much more to be done, Ontario is acting quickly to help Elliot Lake emerge from this tragedy stronger than ever.”