NEWS RELEASE
SAM OOSTERHOFF, MPP FOR NIAGARA WEST
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Today, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, announced that the Ontario government has released a new Rural Economic Development Strategy with $10 million in annual funding for the next two years, to support economic growth, workforce capacity and business development in rural communities.
"This new economic development program will provide provincial support for rural communities across Ontario," said Oosterhoff.
"This is especially welcome news for our rural municipalities and not-for-profit service organizations in Niagara West. The strategic funding will help support economic growth, workforce capacity and business development."
Oosterhoff attended a series of municipal delegations at the annual conference of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association this week, meeting with mayors and councillors from across Niagara on local priorities for the region.
"The Rural Economic Development Strategy is our plan to help rural and Indigenous communities realize their potential and support the economic prosperity of communities across Ontario," said Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
"It is based on our government's belief that a strong and dynamic rural Ontario is essential for the success of the province's economy."
The Enabling Opportunity: Ontario's Rural Economic Development Strategy focuses on three key areas:
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Improving local economic development capacity and championing local leadership, supporting the rehabilitation of municipal and community infrastructure, optimizing rural connectivity, and supporting communities in developing plans for housing and transportation to ensure rural communities are places where people want to live, work and play.
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Supporting rural communities and other economic development partners in strengthening and growing rural business, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting investment, revitalizing downtowns and diversifying regional economies.
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Helping grow local talent, raising awareness of job opportunities available in rural Ontario, supporting workers in obtaining the skills needed to succeed and attracting and retaining workers so that rural communities and small towns thrive.
The new Rural Economic Development Strategy is a key pillar in the government's plan to help rural communities address the challenges they are facing and take advantage of new opportunities. As part of this strategy, the government has revamped the previous Rural Economic Development Program, now called the Rural Ontario Development Program, and is doubling its funding to $20 million over the next two years. More details on the enhanced program will be available in the coming weeks.
Quick Facts:
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To help inform the creation of the new Rural Economic Development Strategy, the province has conducted a thorough consultation process with partners from rural municipalities, not-for-profit entities, and Northern and Indigenous communities. The government held thirteen regional roundtables to hear the thoughts, experiences and ideas of those living and working in rural Ontario and received many online submissions through our website.
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Rural Ontario is a significant contributor to the vitality and resilience of the province's economic and social fabric while also being crucial to the province's overall prosperity.
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With 2.5 million people and counting, rural communities produce an estimated $113 billion - thirteen percent - of Ontario's Gross Domestic Product and employ over 1.2 million Ontarians, representing fifteen percent of the province's jobs.
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Boosting the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund by $100 million over two years is helping ensure small, rural and Northern municipalities have the resources they need to thrive.
Additional Resources:
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