Dear Minister,
Congratulations on your appointment as Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). On behalf of the executive team and staff of dedicated public servants, I would like to welcome you and your team to the Agency. We are here to support your transition to FedDev Ontario and to help you successfully execute the mandate given to you by the Prime Minister.
As one of seven Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) located across the country, FedDev Ontario is helping deliver the Government’s plan to build a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy. With employees on the ground across southern Ontario, the Agency is a strong federal presence, dedicated to strengthening the economy of one of Canada’s key regions.
Southern Ontario anchors Canada’s national prosperity. It is home to more than a third of its population, jobs and economic output. The region spans from Cornwall in the east to Sarnia/Windsor in the west, with a northern boundary that includes the census divisions of Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and Renfrew County. Its 37 census divisions is made up of 289 distinct and diverse communities, including a mix of large urban centres (e.g., Toronto, Ottawa), mid-sized cities (e.g., Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo), and small rural communities (e.g., Kincardine, Hawkesbury). In addition, the region is home to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people who collectively make up a population of approximately 253,000 in the region. Indigenous peoples in southern Ontario represent nearly fifteen per cent of Canada’s total Indigenous population.
The region’s rich industrial heritage includes world-leading strengths in globally integrated manufacturing sectors such as automotive, defence and aerospace. In fact, southern Ontario’s automotive industry is at the leading edge of the region’s industrial transition as the industry pivots toward the production of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). The region also boasts global leadership in several knowledge-intensive sectors, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, information communication technology, life sciences, clean technology, and finance, supported by a strong network of cutting-edge research institutions and clusters of expertise.
Headquartered in Waterloo and with regional offices in Toronto, Peterborough and Ottawa, FedDev Ontario invests in projects across the region that help build a stronger, more sustainable and resilient southern Ontario economy. Since 2015, this Agency has invested over $2.8 billion, in over 3,620 projects that align with economic priorities and regional opportunities. From supporting world-leading innovation, to assisting entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, to helping communities revitalise and build a more diverse, sustainable and inclusive economy, FedDev Ontario’s investments are making a positive impact.
The Agency’s flexible, responsive and regionally-tailored programs can help address the Government’s key economic priorities, such as accelerating climate action and future-proofing businesses, scaling up more innovative housing solutions to build more homes faster, strengthening Canada’s AI advantage, enhancing innovation ecosystems, investing in the growth opportunities of smaller communities, advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation, and helping underrepresented groups fully participate and partner in the region’s growth potential. We are also helping to maximize the region’s economic potential by ensuring that businesses have the support they need to remain competitive and innovative through periods of economic uncertainty. Under your leadership, we will continue to be an important partner for delivering on the Government’s economic plan.
My executive team and I look forward to working with you and your staff. We are prepared to provide additional briefings and materials on the Agency’s operations, programming and activities at your convenience. We can also work with you and your team to identify potential opportunities for early engagement with regional stakeholders and announcements that support your mandate and priorities.
I am impressed every day by the work of our dedicated and talented staff, and the results we have achieved in southern Ontario. Together, with your team, we will build on our accomplishments, and continue to promote and grow a more competitive, green and diversified southern Ontario economy.
Yours sincerely,
Nancy Gardiner
President