For immediate release
January 23, 2012
London, Ontario — Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced today an investment of up to $5 million that will allow manufacturing workers in southern Ontario to benefit from advanced skills training, thanks to a Government of Canada contribution to the Yves Landry Foundation.
“Our government is committed to supporting the growth and stability of the manufacturing sector by investing in one of its most vital resources: its people,” said MP Shipley. “This investment will provide the specialized skills training that workers need, which will help manufacturers improve productivity and tap into new markets at home and abroad.”
The contribution through FedDev Ontario’s Prosperity Initiative will allow the Yves Landry Foundation to expand its Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) Global program to meet the needs of exporting and export-ready manufacturers in southern Ontario. The training offered by the Yves Landry Foundation is designed to upgrade the skills of people working for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, and help manufacturers find creative and innovative solutions to improve their productivity and diversify their products.
This contribution is part of a larger investment by the Government of Canada to support manufacturing skills development across the province. Today, FedNor announced an investment of up to $2 million for the AIME North initiative that will be delivered by the Yves Landry Foundation in northern Ontario.
“We are delighted to be working with the Government of Canada on this important partnership,” said Gene Stodolak, Chair of the Yves Landry Foundation. “Thanks to this support, we will continue to foster training and innovation opportunities within the manufacturing sector.”
For more information on the AIME Global Program and Prosperity Initiative, please see the backgrounder. Details on AIME North and the Northern Ontario Development Program can be found on FedNor’s website: http://ic.gc.ca/FedNor.
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region’s businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Thomas
Special Assistant – Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-960-7728
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
519-571-6879
