Prosperity Initiative – Vaughan Health Campus of Care Funding Announcement

The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors)

Vaughan, Ontario
March 16, 2011

Check against delivery

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Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I want to recognize our honoured guests, Council Members, community leaders and friends in attendance.

I would like to thank my esteemed colleague and friend, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, for his kind introductions. As Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Minister Goodyear has much to be proud of.

I would also like to thank the Vaughan Health Campus of Care for hosting today's important announcement. It's a pleasure to be here.

Vaughan Health Campus of Care is a community-governed organization that I commend for recognizing and acting upon the evolving needs of the residents of Vaughan.

As you all know, the economy remains the top priority of our Government.

With Canada's economic recovery still fragile, we are focussed on creating jobs and economic growth for Canadians.

That is why we are focussed on the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Our government is committed to continue supporting the people, communities and businesses of southern Ontario as we move from economic recovery to growth and prosperity.

This means ensuring that southern Ontario can make the most of every opportunity to expand into new areas and to invest in projects that will make a meaningful and long lasting difference for the people of Ontario.

This includes an innovative project proposed by the Vaughan Health Campus of Care.

In addition to addressing and coordinating the important health needs — of our growing community, the Vaughan Health Campus of Care is creating a one-stop, life science campus that will bring together health services, a Hospital, new research and innovative businesses and educational institutions on one site. This Campus of Care will strengthen and diversify Vaughan and York Region's economy and improve the quality of life of families for generations.

Imagine the benefits that this will bring to the community of Vaughan and the entire region.

It is this sort of innovation and regional diversification that our government wants to foster through the Economic Action Plan.

Friends, it was 100 odd days ago that we were standing right here when I made a commitment to support the Vaughan Health Campus of Care to the people of Vaughan.

I said then that I would bring the federal government to the table to help move the Campus of Care and Hospital forward. As Min. Goodyear can attest, this has been my top local priority in Ottawa.

Today, I'm so pleased to announce that our government is delivering for Vaughan families, seniors and our City's future. Our government will invest up to $10 million, to start construction on the Vaughan Health Campus of Care.

This contribution will allow this organization to bring their innovative idea to life.

The project includes attracting new investors and businesses to the area and connecting them with research and educational institutions.

These new partnerships will help bring new advancements in the life sciences to market. And it will have all been home-grown, right here in southern Ontario.

It is this kind of economic diversification that benefits not only one city, but an entire region, by increasing the number of new industries and opportunities.

This investment will not only help position the area as a hub for economic diversity and research excellence, but will lead to new and long-lasting skilled jobs.

With the City's rapid growth, it is so important that the people of Vaughan have convenient access to the medical facilities necessary to sustain a healthy, competitive and vibrant community. The Campus of Care is leading the coordination of health care services and the hospital for our community. Our government is supporting this project by investing in research facilities at the Campus of Care.

Our government's $10 million investment is divided into two phases. Including support for the site design and preparing the site for the construction for infrastructure to support the Vaughan Health Campus of Care.

I am proud to deliver on this important commitment to the people of Vaughan. Our Government is listening and working with our partners in the Vaughan Health Campus of Care, the City of Vaughan and Region of York who are all supporting this much needed project.

I have been a vocal advocate, supporter and fundraiser for the Vaughan Hospital and Campus of Care over the years, co-chairing the highly successful fundraising committee last year.

This initiative is truly a grassroots undertaking – people from all walks of life are helping make the hospital and Campus of Care a reality. I want to recognize the great people of Vaughan and community leaders for their charity and determination. They never lost the faith, and have stay committed to seeing this project through. I would also like to recognize the City of Vaughan and Region of York for their ongoing support for this vital project.

Today's announcement is another example of how our government is delivering meaningful results to people here in Vaughan and southern Ontario.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is working to bolster our regions knowledge economy and supporting local opportunities to innovate, adapt and grow.

We are setting the foundation for a Southern Ontario Advantage that will make a difference to the people and communities of our region both now and in the future.

I wish the Vaughan Health Campus of Care, and its partners all the best with this project and look forward to watching it progress.

Thank you.