Minister Goodyear Consults Stakeholders on Manufacturing and Future Plans for Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity

For immediate release
May 13, 2013

Ottawa, Ontario—The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), met with manufacturers and stakeholders today at Invest Ottawa to seek input on the new Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario and future Agency programs for southern Ontario.
"With Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada remains focused on the priorities of Canadians, including creating jobs and growing the economy in Ontario and across Canada," said Minister Goodyear. "My colleagues and I are participating in roundtable discussions to ensure we continue to develop programs that work for businesses, workers and communities."

Since its launch in 2009, the Agency has made significant progress in creating jobs and growing the economy. However, 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 Budget 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.

Minister Goodyear and Members of Parliament are meeting with manufacturers, business and academia across Ontario to gather feedback on challenges, opportunities and ideas for the development and implementation of new programs.

This morning, Minister Goodyear met with a group of firms and manufacturing stakeholders to discuss the Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario. Input was provided on the expected outcomes of the Fund, as well as on proposed program parameters.
At a second meeting, stakeholders provided their views on potential areas of focus for FedDev Ontario programs including: support for innovation and commercialization, business growth, productivity and communities.

With renewed funding, FedDev Ontario will continue to act as a convenor, advocate and catalyst to support 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.

To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
Follow us on Twitter @FedDevOntario

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For more information, contact:
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-947-2956
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652