Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has helped to protect millions of jobs, provide emergency support to families and keep businesses afloat as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.

“The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the local economies of London, Chatham, Sarnia, and surrounding regions—from major manufacturers to small main street businesses. However, I continue to hear of innovation and resilience shown by so many businesses, such as URSA Manufacturing and Chocolatea. Stories like these highlight how vital FedDev Ontario’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund has been to survival of many businesses across southern Ontario. From London to Sarnia to Chatham-Kent, RRRF has protected over 1,760 jobs, helping more than 230 local businesses and organizations in 2020. As a result of this crucial support from RRRF, the London, Sarnia, and Chatham-Kent regions are going to get through this time and be stronger together, as we work toward economic recovery.”
– Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for London West

“The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund has helped many business owners in London and across Ontario cover unavoidable costs, retain staff, and adapt their operations in the face of this pandemic. As we begin 2021, the RRRF will continue to support the businesses in the London area who need it most.”
– Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre

“As local economies continue to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is here to help. Today’s announcement is proof of our government’s commitment to supporting businesses through this challenging time. Our message to Canadian business owners and workers is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures during the COVID-19 crisis and we will continue to work with you to support good jobs and help our businesses not just survive, but thrive so our economy can come back strong.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Support from FedDev Ontario through the RRRF has been instrumental as URSA rebuilds inventory levels and restores customer sales. Thanks to Government of Canada assistance, our employment is back to pre-COVID-19 levels and is expected, based on customer orders, to reach new heights by year-end.”
– Barry Alyea, Operations Manager, URSA Manufacturing ULC

“Receiving the RRRF loan was just that: relief! It offered the ability to move forward in business while reducing the stress of the unknown. As a small business owner in a small community, we’ve come to rely upon each other to get through this the best we know how, and this wouldn’t have been possible without support from FedDev Ontario through Community Futures Oxford.”
– Cindy Walker, Owner, Chocolatea

• The national $1.5 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, provides liquidity support to businesses and not-for-profit organizations affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, that are unable to access other federal relief measures, or require additional support. FedDev Ontario is delivering $436.4 million to support businesses and organizations in southern Ontario.

• FedDev Ontario has also extended and expanded the eligibility criteria for RRRF, increasing contribution amounts and the timeframe for eligible costs, which is available to new applicants and existing recipients.

• With downtown cores hit particularly hard by COVID-19, FedDev Ontario is investing $50 million through RRRF in the Digital Main Street (DMS) platform and the Recovery Activation Program, which will help nearly 23,000 main street businesses and SMEs across Ontario embrace digital business models, positioning them to regain lost revenue and become more resilient and competitive as the economy recovers.

• Recognizing the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism in the region, FedDev Ontario also invested $30 million through the RRRF for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), which will provide Destination Marketing Organizations in southern Ontario with support to help encourage visitors back into local communities as the economy safely reopens.

Associated links

• Government of Canada expands Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide more support for southern Ontario businesses
• FedDev Ontario Regional Relief and Recovery
• FedDev Ontario
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505

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