On November 24, 2014, Industry Minister James Moore announced $9 million in funding to help southern Ontario manufacturers develop their businesses through innovation, job growth, and competition on a global scale. One way to help export-oriented manufacturers stay competitive globally through boosted export sales is to provide employees with in-demand skills training in innovative technology; the Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellent (AIME) Global initiative will help southern Ontario manufacturers enhance their employees’ skills while growing the region’s supply chains. On December 1, 2014, AIME will be re-launched in southern Ontario through funding by the Harper Government to the Yves Landry Foundation (YLF).
Since 2009, over 9,500 workers throughout 451 companies have enhanced their skills, as the Government of Canada invested over $18 million in YLF. With the new 2014 investment by the Harper Government, southern Ontario will see up to 1,100 new jobs in manufacturing, and up to 6,900 workers will receive in-demand skills training. In 2013, Canada continued to be an economic leader and was considered, by Bloomberg’s ranking, the second-most attractive country in which to conduct business. Indeed, in the G7, Canada has the lowest total business tax costs, according to KPMG.
For more information concerning Minister Moore’s announcement, please visit FedDev’s Stronger Manufacturing in Southern Ontario.