Rural Investments Create 6,000 Jobs
December 20, 2011 8:00 AM
McGuinty Government Supporting Rural Communities To Strengthen Economy
Investments in rural communities and businesses this year created or retained more than 6,000 jobs and strengthened local economies.
Over the last year, through the Rural Economic Development Program, the government has invested in 78 projects, supporting new and existing jobs, which has led to additional investments of $139 million from private and public sector partners. This means more families are working, more businesses are prospering and more communities are growing stronger.
Partnering with businesses and communities is key to the McGuinty government's plan to create and support new and existing jobs for Ontario families, and to strengthen local economies.
Quick Facts
- Since 2003, Ontario has invested in 418 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program, and generated more than $1.2 billion in new economic activity.
- The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.
- Since October 2003, Ontario employment has increased by 502,000 net jobs, more than 68 per cent of which were full-time.
- In 2010, Ontario was named a top destination for foreign direct investment in North America, second only to California. The province attracted a total of 127 Foreign Direct Investment projects, which created more than 11,200 jobs.
- Taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging new business growth.
Learn More
Contacts
- Mark Cripps
Minister's Office
416-386-3039
- Susan Murray
Communications Branch
519-826-3145
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
ontario.ca/agriculture