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

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 5, 2013) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Julian Fantino, Member of Parliament for Vaughan and Minister of Veterans Affairs, was in Vaughan today to meet with stakeholders about 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'm pleased to be here in Vaughan with my colleague MP Fantino to participate in a roundtable discussion to make certain we continue to create programs that help the businesses and workers in this community."

"I am very pleased to welcome Minister Goodyear to Vaughan," said MP Fantino. "Our discussions today focused on generating prosperity and a healthy economic climate and I am glad that the Minister shares our vision for creating this climate in southern Ontario."

While in Vaughan, Minister Goodyear and MP Fantino visited Vida Holdings Corp. which received an investment of up to $750,000 from FedDev Ontario to develop and commercialize its new catalytic converter technology, which aims to reduce costs and improve fuel economy.

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 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 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.

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.