Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley 
Federal government representatives came to the city this weekend bearing some New Year's cheer.
Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear came
to Laurentian University Saturday to make a number of funding
announcements on behalf of Tony Clement, the federal
Conservative minister responsible for FedNor. Research, youth
and businesses got support.
"The Government of Canada, through FedNor, has and will continue to play an important role to ensure the economic prosperity of Greater Sudbury and communities across the north," stated a release by Goodyear.
"Today's announcement clearly demonstrates our government's commitment to help strengthen the economic foundation in Northern Ontario," stated Minister Clement. " I look forward to witnessing the positive impact these investments will deliver to the people living and working in Greater Sudbury."
Mayor John Rodriguez welcomed the federal funding.
"On behalf of the citizens of Greater Sudbury, I truly welcome this strong show of support from FedNor," said Rodriguez.
The chief beneficiary of the announcement was the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. The physics project will receive $380,000 to allow staff there to develop a new research program entitled SNO+ that allows further work in particle physics, astrophysics and geophysics.
Youth employment received $265,000  allowing the FedNor Youth Internship (YIP) program to help 10 youth to obtain full time employment. Participating organizations and businesses include Accutron Instruments Inc., Bestech, Centre de santé communautaire de Sudbury, City of Greater Sudbury, Laurentian University, Le Carrefour francophone de Sudbury, NCS Technology, Sudbury and Manitoulin Workforce Partnership Board and Sudbury Regional Hospital.
Sudbury East/West Nipissing Community Futures Development Corporation received $395,000 for supporting regional economic projects over the next year.
The Downtown Village Corporation will receive $80,000 to develop and implement a comprehensive business development and attraction program for the city's inner core. The program will increase local business opportunities, promote business development and improve the look and feel of the downtown area.
For more information, visit www.ic.gc.ca .
