Minister Goodyear Delivers Keynote Address to Oakville Chamber of Commerce

OAKVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 4, 2013) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), was in Oakville today to speak to Oakville business leaders and stakeholders. Minister Goodyear was joined by Terence Young, Member of Parliament for Oakville.

Minister Goodyear delivered a keynote address at the Chamber's meeting. He discussed the evolving role of FedDev Ontario in the region, the important part local economic development organizations play in supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in Ontario's communities, and the value of these businesses to Canada's economy.

"The Government of Canada is committed to building a sustainable economy and investing in businesses and communities across the region," said Minister Goodyear. "Through strong partnerships with locally-driven groups like the Oakville Chamber, our Government continues to help businesses and communities make strategic investments now to create prosperity into the future."

"Our Government continues to support job creation and long-term economic growth in Oakville," said MP Young. "It is a pleasure to host Minister Goodyear here in Oakville, and to give community and business leaders the opportunity to hear about upcoming economic development opportunities and priorities."

Since its launch in 2009, FedDev Ontario has made significant progress in creating jobs and growing the economy. However, southern Ontario remains under considerable pressure, and more than ever our businesses and workers need to be more innovative and productive, and must strive to access new markets.

In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continued commitment to workers, families and communities in southern Ontario with the renewal of FedDev Ontario.

Economic Action Plan 2013 provides $920 million for FedDev Ontario over five years, including $200 million for a new Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario, starting on April 1, 2014.

FedDev Ontario will also continue to promote business development, job creation and self-reliant communities in rural eastern Ontario through the $48 million five-year extension of the Eastern Ontario Development Program.

With renewed funding, FedDev Ontario will continue to act as a champion for the region by supporting the development of a prosperous and globally competitive southern Ontario economy.

Details of new programming will be posted on the Agency's website at www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca as they become available, so stakeholders are encouraged to check back regularly.

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