Our businesses and workers are key to a successful economy and Canada's economic growth was the strongest in the G7 over the last year. More Canadians are employed today than before the pandemic, including more than 360,000 here in Ontario. Budget 2023 outlines the federal government's plan to build on this momentum and create a more secure, sustainable and affordable Canada from coast to coast to coast.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), was in London with Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West, and Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre. They met employees at the businesses that are creating jobs across the region and driving our aerospace, automotive and clean tech industries.
They met with employees at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, an advanced manufacturer, as well as one of southern Ontario's largest defence contractors and a key employer in the London region. They then met with students at Fanshawe College's Innovation Village, a hub supported by a $3-million FedDev Ontario investment to help students and entrepreneurs to commercialize their ideas, create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Following a meeting with Unifor Local 27 representatives, the Minister spoke with workers at Sodecia London. The tier 1 supplier in the automotive industry previously received a $3.5-million FedDev Ontario investment to adopt advanced technologies and manufacture safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Minister Tassi highlighted the government's plan for investing in the clean economy: a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance.
Later in the day, Minister Tassi visited J2 Bouldering, a rock climbing centre that received a previous non-repayable FedDev Ontario contribution of $100,000 through the Regional Tourism Organization (RTO 1). The Minister highlighted Budget 2023's commitment to supporting hardworking small business owners by working with major credit card companies to lower transaction fees and by providing reduced tax rates, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted funding as part of a "Made-in-Canada Plan" that will attract global investments, lock-in labour standards, and create great middle class jobs. She also noted the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy for growth, investment and stability in Canada's tourism sector.
Through these measures and more, Budget 2023 will ensure that workers across all sectors, share in enhancing Canada's economic prosperity for generations to come.
