Minister Goodyear Visits Brantford to Discuss Future Plans for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 30, 2013) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) along with Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, was in Brantford today to discuss the role of FedDev Ontario in the region and seek input on future Agency programs for southern Ontario.

"Our Government is focused on the priorities of Canadians, including creating jobs and strengthening the economy here in southern Ontario," said Minister Goodyear. "I am pleased to be here in Brantford with my colleague MP McColeman to participate in roundtable discussions to make certain we continue to create programs that help businesses and workers in this community."

"I am very pleased to welcome Minister Goodyear to Brantford," stated MP McColeman. "Our discussions today were centered around generating prosperity and a healthy economic climate and I am glad that the Minister shares our vision for creating this climate in southern Ontario."

Minister Goodyear and MP McColeman began the day with a roundtable discussion, followed by tours of local businesses.

At today's roundtables, stakeholders provided their views on potential areas of focus for FedDev Ontario programs including: support for innovation and commercialization, business growth, productivity and communities.

Since its launch in 2009, the Agency 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 strive to access new markets.

In the 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 by extending the Eastern Ontario Development Program for five years.

With renewed funding, FedDev Ontario will continue to act as a champion for the region 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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