News
For Immediate Release
London
12/02/2011
Moving Forward To Build A Strong Southwest Economy: McGuinty Government Begins Meetings On Proposed New Fund To Create Jobs
NEWS
Ontario is proposing a new fund as part of the recently introduced Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act that will create and protect jobs for families in London.
Today, Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, joined by London MPPs Chris Bentley and Deb Matthews, met with local economic development partners, businesses and community members to discuss the proposed new Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. The new fund would build on the region’s strengths, address local economic development challenges and help create jobs in Southwestern Ontario.
The province will be meeting with local business leaders across the region to help shape the program and ensure that the proposed new fund addresses the unique regional challenges facing businesses and families in London.
The proposed Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act is a key component of the McGuinty government’s plan to partner with business to create and protect new and existing jobs for Ontario families, and to strengthen local economies.
QUOTES
“The McGuinty government is working together with businesses, community leaders and local and regional economic development organizations to create jobs and attract investment. These are the people that drive growth in Southwestern Ontario and the best people to help shape our proposed new fund.”
– Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
“Strategic investments with local businesses will build on our plan to keep jobs here, attract new ones and help Southwestern Ontario become a leader in the global economic market."
– Chris Bentley, MPP for London West
“Strong local economies help us invest in things that are important for our quality of life – things like healthcare, education systems and new infrastructure. Our government has made job creation a priority. We're going to work hard to keep London and the Southwestern region moving ahead."
– Deb Matthews, MPP for London North Centre
“Our members have considerable front-line experience and expertise that we can contribute to the consultation process. At the end of the day, we all share the same basic goal – to see the Southwest regional economy be as strong, resilient and innovative as possible. SWEA looks forward to playing its part to make that happen.”
– Serge Lavoie, President, Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA)
QUICK FACTS
- Working together with businesses in London, the McGuinty government has helped create and retain over 1,500 jobs in the community since 2008.
- Since October 2003, Ontario employment has increased by 502,000 net jobs, more than 68% of which were full-time.
- The new fund would be modeled on the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, which has helped create and protect over 11,700 jobs and leveraged over $485 million in investment across Eastern Ontario.
- Taxes on business investment have been cut in half since 2009. This and other tax changes are making Ontario more competitive and are encouraging business growth.
LEARN MORE
- See Ontario’s plan to support job creation.
- Take a look at the programs and services available to help your business grow.
- Read Ontario’s 2011 Progress Report.
For more information:
Andrew Block
Minister's Office
416-325-0362
Mark Ingram
Communications Branch
416-325-4776
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