ONTARIO CREATING JOBS BY GOING GREEN
$650-Million Fund Will Create the Next Generation
of Green Technologies and Good, High Paying Jobs
OSHAWA, Ontario - A new
$650-million fund will secure the next generation of high-paying jobs for
Ontarians by developing clean and green technologies and businesses in
Ontario, says Premier Dalton McGuinty.
"There's a huge opportunity out
there and Ontario is determined to seize it for our people and our economy,"
McGuinty said.
"With the world looking for
innovative ways to conserve energy and fight global warming, some place is
going to secure thousands of jobs by researching and developing new
solutions, and we want that place to be Ontario."
Premier McGuinty unveiled the
Next Generation Jobs Fund, which will make $650 million available to
companies looking to invest in the development of clean cars, clean fuels,
and clean technologies and products here in Ontario.
To bid for financial support
from the fund, companies will have to demonstrate they can: Secure
good jobs for Ontarians Reduce
greenhouse gas emissions Help
establish Ontario as a global leader in an emerging market Build on
existing expertise in areas in which Ontario has a strong research and
commercial base or create new expertise, and Create
synergies among researchers, business people and entrepreneurs.
The fund will be modeled after
the successful $500 million Ontario Automotive Strategy which has helped to
leverage more than $7 billion in total new auto investments in the province
over the past four years.
"The approach is tried and
true: we know we can attract investment and create and keep good full-time
jobs by working with companies that are looking for the most aggressive and
innovative places in North America," McGuinty said.
"What's new is designing a fund
specifically to develop and manufacture green technologies and products
across all sectors. There are people out there who claim you have to choose
between a strong economy and a clean environment. We understand that, in
today's world, to grow your economy you must green your economy."
"The ability to innovate is key
to Ontario's economic prosperity," said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of
Economic Development and Trade. "The McGuinty government is committed to
helping the province's industries make high-quality,
environmentally-sensitive products for their customers and the next
generation of highly skilled jobs for their employees."
"What's good for business must
also be good for the environment," said Bill White, President of DuPont
Canada. "DuPont's Research and Development Centre demonstrates how
businesses offer quality jobs in the development of new green technology -
such as biofuels and polymers made with corn and other renewable resources -
that lead to quality jobs with our Canadian and global manufacturing
customers."
"We see the government's
challenge of developing even more leading-edge, efficient and low emission
vehicles as a great opportunity for our industry," said Arturo Elias,
President of GM Canada. "This is the kind of positive partnership that can
accelerate green vehicle technologies while also helping to ensure we remain
at the forefront of competitive jurisdictions to invest, employ and grow for
the future."
"We have industries that are
among the most productive and innovative in the world, scientists who are
among the best and brightest and workers who have the best skills and
knowledge on the continent," said Premier McGuinty. "The world is looking
for solutions. Ontario has the people and the know-how to deliver them. And
this fund will help make it happen, creating jobs and investment." Contacts Presse :
Ray Lancashire - Relations Presse
Ministère du Développement Economique et du Commerce 
900 Bay Street, 5th Floor, Hearst Block, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1
Tel: 00 1 416 326-1608
Fax : 00 1 416 325-6375
E-mail: ray.lancashire@edt.gov.on.ca