Minister Rob Moore, Minister Keith Ashfield, and MP Rodney Weston, with Dr. Russell King, Chair of the Portage Atlantic Board, and Kyle Hooton, who successfully participated in Portage's program

Federal Government Supports Portage Atlantic

January 26, 2010 -- Norton, New Brunswick -- Minister Rob Moore was in Norton today to take part in an important announcement of funding for Portage Atlantic, an organization which helps youth in New Brunswick overcome substance abuse addictions. Over $1 million in federal funds will enable the construction of a multi-purpose facility located on Cassidy Lake near Norton, which will benefit youth at risk from across Atlantic Canada.

"The announcement for Portage Atlantic is an important initiative for the organization and our community. It is sure to bring new hope to families and their children, not only here in New Brunswick, but across Atlantic Canada," said Minister Moore.

Portage Atlantic is a non-profit organization that has been in operation in New Brunswick since 1997, providing a bilingual, long-term residential substance abuse program for youth between the ages of 14 and 21 years of age. Over the past 13 years, more than 1,400 youths from New Brunswick and other Atlantic provinces have been treated at the 52-bed Cassidy Lake treatment centre.

The organization will develop a 10,800 sq. ft. multi-purpose centre, which will include the construction of classrooms, counsellor rooms, conference rooms and training rooms. This centre will provide Portage Atlantic with a modern facility where it can deliver its core programs, including initiatives that allow youth at risk to receive necessary skills training for resuming their lives and contributing to their communities.

Federal funding for the project is being provided under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In Atlantic Canada, CAF is delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit This Link

Rob Moore is Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and the MP for Fundy Royal.
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William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, MP (Fundy Royal)
Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism
(613) 996-2316