Minister outlines plan for jobs, growth in Southern Ontario

Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) Gary Goodyear out­lined a new direction for eco­nomic development and growth in southern Ontario, during a speech to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, on the first anniversary of the Federal Economic Development Agen­cy for Southern Ontario.

"As our economy recovers from the global recession, our government is supporting the people, businesses and com­mu­nities of southern Ontario by investing in jobs and growth," said Goodyear. "By providing the necessary tools, we will further unleash the potential that exists in southern Ontario, and provide new opportunities for businesses to expand and reach new markets."

Goodyear discussed the progress FedDev Ontario has made over the last year sup­port­ing southern Ontario com­mu­nities and businesses, and emphasized the important role that innovation has in pro­mo­t­ing productivity and creating new jobs.

Greg Durocher, president of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, said, "The estab­lish­ment by the federal govern­ment of FedDev Ontario, was exactly what we, in southern Ontario needed to inject some optimism into the business com­munity. Having Minister Goodyear to head it up, was simply a bonus. Congratu­la­tions to the successes of FedDev Ontario and the business sector over the last year.”

Over the coming months, FedDev Ontario will launch a number of initiatives to posi­tion southern Ontario to com­pete in the global, knowledge-based economy. Those will help businesses and other orga­ni­zations through partnerships and investments in skills and training; innovation; research and development and increased productivity.

FedDev Ontario was cre­at­ed as part of Canada's eco­nomic action plan to support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with spending of more than $1-billion over five years to help workers, communities and busi­nesses in southern Ontario.

August 2010 marked one year since FedDev Ontario started delivering economic and community development programs in southern Ontario. The agency focuses on inno­vation and economic diversi­fication through contributions to communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations. To learn more about FedDev Ontario, visit the website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca, or call 1-866-593-5505.