Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, with regard to funding provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), operational funding to CFDCs is allocated based on a model that utilizes metrics including those attributed to the size of the service area, investment fund activity and the provision of business services, and included specific allocations for CFDCs designated as operating in an Official Language Minority Community.
With respect to part (b) of the question, operational funding is distributed through a contribution agreement with each of the 36 CFDCs in southern Ontario, as well as two regional associations, and one provincial association.
Finally, with respect to part (c) of the question, under the program, operational funding is provided to deliver a range of small business services, provide for the administration of repayable financing to new and existing enterprises, and support development of strategic plans and community economic development projects to address community needs.