For immediate release
September 22, 2006

MPPs Hoy & Van Bommel Hold Positive Meeting with Gagner & New Minister of Economic Development

QUEEN’S PARK—Chatham-Kent’s two MPPs Pat Hoy and Maria Van Bommel are encouraged by their meeting today with Chatham-Kent Mayor Diane Gagner and new Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Sandra Pupatello.

“It was a very successful meeting. Minister Pupatello recognizes the need for a regional economic development strategy for Chatham-Kent, and that is very encouraging,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent Essex.

“This is all about addressing the needs of communities through partnerships,” said Van Bommel, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and who arranged the meeting for local officials. “With our community and our government working together, I have no doubt we will find solutions.”

“Minister Pupatello really understands the challenges of our region,” Chatham-Kent Mayor Diane Gagner said, “We’ve started a great working partnership, and will all work to find creative ways of addressing the needs of our community.”

Minister Pupatello agreed to work with Gagner, Van Bommel and Hoy to identify resources to meet the needs of the Chatham-Kent and Wallaceburg area that has suffered job losses, particularly in the manufacturing industry.

Van Bommel hosted Training, Colleges & Universities Minister Chris Bentley on September 15 in Wallaceburg to discuss the local workforce, its challenges and future solutions, in her work to boost local citizens and the local economy.

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Media contact:

Mayor Diane Gagner
519.401.8484

Maria Van Bommel
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
519.245.8696

MPP Pat Hoy, MPP
Chatham-Kent Essex
519.351.0510