Government of Canada investments create jobs and grow businesses in southwestern Ontario and Bruce Grey Simcoe

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

FedDev Ontario provides $25 million in support of businesses and organizations in Windsor, London, Chatham, Sarnia, Barrie, Orillia, Owen Sound and surrounding regions in 2023

December 15, 2023 - Windsor, Ontario  

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in people, their potential and all the possibilities they create across southern Ontario. As part of this commitment, in 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) invested more than $190 million to support more than 70 businesses and organizations, protecting an estimated 4,000 jobs. In Windsor, London, Chatham, Sarnia, Barrie, Orillia, Owen Sound and surrounding regions, FedDev Ontario invested more than $25 million in 11 projects, creating and maintaining an estimated 300 jobs in the region.

For example, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced a $200,000-investment for Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) to help 120 companies participate in the growing EV market. This was one of three pilot investments, including investments in London and Niagara, to help drive growth of the EV sector.

In 2023, FedDev Ontario invested nearly $16 million in 8 clean growth and EV projects. Through these and other FedDev Ontario investments, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to net-zero emissions and supporting local manufacturers as they adopt more sustainable processes and technologies and create good jobs for Canadians.

In addition, with a FedDev Ontario investment of over $1.6 million, two Indigenous-led businesses, eSupply Canada and Biskane Inc., are growing their companies, leading to new jobs and supporting inclusive economic prosperity. Understanding the important role Indigenous businesses and communities play in strengthening our economy, the Agency has a dedicated team and resources to help guide Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations in southern Ontario on programming and services available to them.

A FedDev Ontario investment of $375,000 in Cedar Valley Selections Inc. (Cedar Valley), a family-owned manufacturer of ready-to-eat salad dressings and pita chips, supported the Oldcastle-based company in buying new equipment to improve production capacity and meet the demand for its ready-to-make foods. The project is also helping Cedar Valley to move into the U.S. market and boost local supply chain.

FedDev Ontario continues to work with industry and community leaders, workers, entrepreneurs, and organizations across the region to support them as they grow and thrive. This year, FedDev Ontario launched a new, easy-to-use application process that makes applying for funding easier and more predictable for clients.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations can now apply for funding under the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario to develop local tourism products and experiences to attract visitors to the region. The first round of applications is now open until February 29, 2024. A second round will open in the summer.

The Agency continues to support inclusive economic growth for the region, investing over $60 million in 35 projects led by underrepresented groups, creating and maintaining an estimated 1,400 jobs in 2023. Helping our underrepresented groups achieve their goals will unlock unlimited potential for Canada's economy and Canadians as a whole. A strong, diverse economy and a better future for all Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.

Quotes

“Over the past year, our government has made it our priority to support businesses and workers in southern Ontario so they can grow and succeed. This year, in southwestern Ontario more than $25 million in FedDev Ontario investments have been made to support 11 businesses and organizations, which have protected an estimated 300+ jobs in southwestern Ontario and Bruce Grey Simcoe regions. We know that people are our strength. We will continue to make strategic investments that will lead to economic growth by supporting our great entrepreneurs.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“This past year, FedDev Ontario has showcased the talent, innovation and potential that southern Ontario has to offer. With the critical support that has been delivered to many businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations in the many towns and cities in this region, we have helped to create jobs, grow businesses and companies thrive, while strengthening our economy for Canadians.”
– Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Quick facts

  • The Agency will continue to support businesses and organizations as they drive innovation, create good jobs and develop new possibilities for our economy. For more information, visit our funding opportunities page.

  • In 2023, Minister Tassi took the opportunity to meet with business owners, workers and stakeholders during visits to over 40 cities and towns in southern Ontario, including Windsor, Ingersoll, London, Old Castle, St. Thomas, Tecumseth, Tillsonburg, Woodstock, Barrie, Orillia, New Tecumseth and Owen Sound.

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $165 million in more than 190 projects in Windsor, London, Chatham, Sarnia and surrounding areas, estimated to create and maintain more than 9,000 jobs. 

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $86 million in more than 175 projects in Bruce Grey Simcoe and surrounding regions, estimated to create and maintain nearly 4,000 jobs.  

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $2.5 billion in more than 3,000 projects across southern Ontario, leveraging an additional $3.7 billion in investment in the economy, and supporting over 190,000 jobs.  

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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