April 14, 2022
We are pleased to announce that the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will both be speaking at the 2022 Community Futures National Event on Monday, May 9th.
Minister Hutchings will deliver the opening remarks at the Rural and Remote Opportunities “Taste of Canada” reception at the Westin Ottawa on Monday, May 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Confederation Ballroom. This will be the first time that the Minister of Rural Economic Development will address the pan-Canadian network of Community Futures organizations as a whole about the kinds of initiatives her Ministry will undertake to support economic recovery, growth and resilience.
In addition to Minister Hutchings, Community Futures members have invited their local Members of Parliament to attend the reception to help us celebrate our achievements and to learn more about the work Community Futures does and the positive impact we have had on strengthening the economies of rural and remote communities across Canada. The reception will also feature stories from successful small business owners who have received Community Futures support in starting and/or growing their businesses, and a "Taste of Canada" buffet, featuring a selection of regional dishes from across Canada, prepared exclusively by the Westin Ottawa culinary team.
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development
Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings was first elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Long Range Mountains in 2015. She spent a decade as a board member for the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, where she served as both President and Vice-President. She was also Chair and Managing Director of the Battle Harbour Historic Trust, an organization committed to protecting and promoting the history, integrity, and natural environment of Battle Harbour, and president of the Greater Corner Brook Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Hutchings was appointed Minister of Rural Economic Development in October 2021.
We are also excited to welcome the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, on behalf of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). Minister Jaczek will address conference attendees on Monday morning, May 9th, during the opening breakfast. There are seven RDAs across Canada; together they represent 267 Community Futures organizations.
The Honourable Helena Jaczek
Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
The Honourable Helena Jaczek was first elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Markham-Stouffville in 2019. Before that, she served as a Member of Provincial Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham in Ontario from 2007 to 2018.
Before entering provincial politics, Ms. Jaczek practiced medicine at the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto for many years, and was the Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Health Services for the Regional Municipality of York for 18 years. Ms. Jaczek was appointed Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario in October 2021.