As the Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, and former chair of the Northern Ontario Liberal Caucus, I regularly travel across the region to meet with my constituents and to listen to the issues and priorities that are important to them.
The economy, infrastructure, jobs and opportunities for their kids or grandkids are some of the key topics that come up most often, and I am proud to be working for a government that is taking action to address those priorities and many more that are top of mind for Canadians.
Since 2016, we have made important investments in Nickel Belt - Greater Sudbury, including recently investing $39 million in federal funding to build new urban transit networks and service extensions in outlying areas that will transform the way the community lives, moves and works. And we are committed to doing even more.
Budget 2018 provides a clear vision on how we are moving the country forward on equality and growth for a strong middle class. I was especially pleased that, through our budget, we were again able to provide additional funding for FedNor, the Government of Canada’s lead economic development organization for Northern Ontario.
Through Budget 2018, FedNor will receive $28 million to support innovation and economic development in the region - this is in addition to a further $25 million announced as a part of Budget 2017. This additional funding is important because FedNor is an effective catalyst for economic growth in Northern Ontario. It helps businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, and it works with communities to develop and diversify local economies.
The Sudbury Basin and surrounding region has a long, rich, and innovative mining history. To stay relevant and competitive, and for the region to continue to thrive and grow, our industries must continue to innovate and drive competition.
This is not an easy task, but FedNor plays a key role by supporting projects that lead the way to job creation, innovation and economic growth in Northern Ontario.
Recent investments our government has made, like more than $1.26 million over three years to Northern Ontario Angels, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating connections between Northern Ontario entrepreneurs and accredited angel investors, are helping to grow the local economy and will create well-paying jobs right here at home that can help the middle class grow and prosper.
Thanks to FedNor’s programs, services and financial assistance, businesses across all sectors of Northern Ontario’s economy are increasing their competitiveness, viability and growth.
On April 9, our government released the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, a comprehensive innovation, economic development and job creation plan for the region.
This plan supports the implementation of the national Innovation and Skills Plan and other federal priorities to ensure the region fully benefits from economic and job creation opportunities. With input from more than 1,000 stakeholders, including the Northern Ontario Liberal Caucus, this plan will serve as an economic plan that will guide federal activities and investments in the region for years to come.
Our government will continue to collaborate with Indigenous leaders, municipal and provincial governments, business owners and other stakeholders, to support the development and transformation of the economy of Northern Ontario for all Canadians living and working in the region.
Marc Serré
Member of Parliament, Nickel Belt
