Goderich Aircraft Inc. Funding Announcement

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario

April 6, 2010
South Huron, Ontario

Check Against Delivery

---

Welcome ladies and gentleman, friends and honoured guests.

It's a pleasure to be in South Huron once again to bring good news for this community. Thank you to Goderich Aircraft for hosting us.

Last year, Prime Minister Stephen Harper recognized that no region or industry was safe from the adverse effects of the impeding economic recession and there was a great need to protect Canadian industries, Canadian citizens and the jobs on which they rely.

Acting with speed and strategy, our government introduced a number of measures, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, in order to stimulate the economy and create new jobs.

One of these measures was additional funding for infrastructure, through programs such as the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Building Canada Fund and the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program. Under these initiatives, our government is providing more than $2.7 million for four local projects, including the reconstruction of the Huron Park industrial area.

According to a Conference Board study, thanks to this boost in infrastructure spending, 70,000 jobs have been preserved and created in Ontario in 2009.

Our Economic Action Plan also included $1 billion to create the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, or FedDev Ontario.

Over the last few months, as Minister of this Agency, I've seen first-hand how our programs are working to support economic activity in communities most vulnerable to the threat of job loss, increasing competition and a struggling manufacturing sector.

In fact, since the launch of FedDev Ontario we have committed more than $300 million in communities and businesses through our economic development programs.

Our government understands the importance of investing in people in order to achieve a stronger, more sustainable future for Canada.

Today, I am here to tell you that once again, FedDev Ontario is investing in a brighter future for Canadians.

Here in South Huron, I am happy to announce a contribution of more than $4.4 million for Goderich Aircraft Inc. to launch Canada's first Boeing Completion Centre. Our support will allow this company to build a hanger that will help produce customized narrow-body jets that are "made to order" in a short period of time.

Our contribution comes through the second phase of the Community Adjustment Fund, which is part of FedDev Ontario's efforts and commitment to support southern Ontario's ongoing economic resurgence.

Funding through this program will support productivity, economic diversification, innovation and growth for businesses and communities that need it most.

My colleagues and fellow Members of Parliament are holding announcements in Windsor and Kitchener to bring the good news about approved projects to their own local constituents.

And details on projects approved under the Community Adjustment Fund will continue to be announced over the coming weeks.

This funding follows nearly $102 million invested in ninety projects under the first phase of the Community Adjustment Fund, announced in August 2009.

I'm proud to say that these projects, most of which are nearing completion, have had a significant economic impact in their communities over the last few months.

Not only does springtime represent the return of nicer weather, it also means the start of a new construction season, shovels in the ground, and skilled trade people back to work. Exactly what our region needs.

I have been privileged to travel throughout our province recently as our government has announced a number of Economic Action Plan investments. No matter where I go, I see the same optimism. Community leaders, business owners and workers are telling me that we are on the right track.

We have seen the momentum in recent months. Our government wants this to continue. That is why we unveiled our jobs and growth budget earlier this month.

And that is why I look forward to working with all of you as we build a stronger Ontario together.

Thank you. Merci.