Southern Ontario Spotlight - November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on main street businesses, with changes in the way Canadians shop, eat and do business. With $42.5 million in FedDev Ontario support through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), many main street businesses are pivoting their operations from brick and mortar to the digital marketplace with the help of the Digital Main Street program.

Since this investment was announced just five months ago, more than 6,900 businesses have received support to pivot their operations, ultimately helping them to regain lost revenue and become more resilient. More than 1,000 students have gained valuable work experience, creating online storefronts and offering tailored advice to small businesses.

This month, Minister Joly and Parliamentary Secretary Kate Young hosted a roundtable discussion with Digital Main Street program partners, recipients and students in the Guelph region to hear about their experiences with the program, which is expected to support nearly 22,000 businesses across Ontario as we work toward economic recovery. 

Earlier in the month, Minister Joly spoke with chambers of commerce CEOs from the eight members of the Canadian Global Cities Council. She heard firsthand the challenges in their communities, particularly in urban centres as the pandemic impacts many local storefronts and restaurants, reiterating the importance of safely supporting local businesses.

Since the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund was launched in May, FedDev Ontario has provided critical liquidity support to nearly 26,000 southern Ontario businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes support for those vital to the region’s economy and hit hardest by the pandemic, from main street and rural businesses to the tourism, technology and manufacturing sectors to women-led businesses.

With the second wave upon us, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Joly announced an additional $600 million through the RRRF; $184 million of which will be delivered by FedDev Ontario.

Eligibility parameters have also been expanded and extended to provide support to more businesses and organizations in southern Ontario.

“With the second wave upon us, we’ve heard clearly from businesses and workers that more support is needed. That’s why we’re enhancing and expanding the RRRF to help even more Ontarians. Our message to them is clear: we’ve been here for you with significant measures, we’re here for you now and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help our economy 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

New applicants or RRRF recipients in need of additional support can apply through a simplified application. Applications submitted that have not received a decision will be considered under the expanded parameters and do not need to be resubmitted.

For more information, review the program guidelines.

As the nation’s most diversified economy and an opportune location for national and international trade, Hamilton is a key contributor to Ontario’s economy. That is why the Government of Canada has officially designated Hamilton as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) point.

Minister Joly made the announcement on November 10 as part of a virtual visit to the region. As the third FTZ point announced in Ontario and one of 14 in Canada, Hamilton can now offer a single point of access to resources and information relating to programs that relieve duties, tariffs and taxes for business, in turn attracting more foreign direct investment, creating local jobs and boosting trade and export opportunities.

Minister Joly also announced a $3.9-million investment for HT Productions Inc. (Whitebird), which will create 45 skilled jobs and maintain another 105 in Hamilton. She later met with business representatives in the area to hear about the impact of COVID-19 on Hamilton’s key sectors, and opportunities for continued support.

Minister Joly also had the opportunity to deliver some good news for Windsor-Essex, announcing $6.3 million to support four leading manufacturers: Pancap Pharma Inc., Crop Defenders Ltd., Hawk Plastics Ltd., and Whitfield Group.

These investments will support technological advancements, scale-up and growth, while creating 80 quality jobs and maintaining 30 more in the region.

This month, Parliamentary Secretary Kate Young announced a combined $8.6 million in FedDev Ontario investments in southwestern Ontario.

Fanshawe College’s Innovation Village is supporting London’s innovation ecosystem, offering a hub for students and community members to access expert resources and cutting-edge technologies and equipment. With a $3-million FedDev Ontario investment, Fanshawe College will establish specialized industry-relevant capabilities, assisting 40 businesses, producing 10 new products and services, creating eight new jobs and directly supporting 28 student entrepreneurs within the first three years of full operation. This hub will support the recovery and momentum of key economic sectors in London, while helping entrepreneurs gain experience and commercialize their ideas more quickly.

Earlier in the month, Parliamentary Secretary Young announced $5.6 million for Oxford Pallet & Recyclers Inc., Factory Bucket and Titan Trailers. These investments will create 115 local skilled jobs in Norwich, London and Delhi.

In the Halton region, Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, announced $3.1 million for Formula Solutions Inc. (FSI) to acquire new equipment and establish a highly-automated production line, also creating 70 new high-quality jobs in Burlington.

Canada’s greatest resource is its people. Their ideas will guide the future success of Canadian businesses and the economy, and in order to stay ahead of the curve, businesses must anticipate the needs and wants of our diverse population. Companies that are more diverse are more likely to meet or exceed financial targets, achieve better outcomes, and generate fresh insights and creative solutions. Yet, the reality is that the rich diversity of our country is still underrepresented in positions of economic influence and leadership.

 

The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, business and diversity organizations to improve access for racialized persons, people who identify as LGBTQ2, people living with disabilities, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to positions of influence and leadership on corporate boards and in senior management. As the name suggests, the objective of the initiative is for organizations, over time, to reach 50% gender parity and 30% representation of under-represented groups in senior positions.

 

We are seeking your participation to build a more diverse, inclusive and vibrant economic future for Canadians.

Companies, not-for-profits and other organizations can sign up by filling in the 50-30 Challenge form. Those that sign up before the official launch later this month may be featured in the announcement.

 

For more information on this important initiative, please read the Prospectus.