When we invest in Canadians, we invest in a future that benefits everyone. The Government of Canada continues to make targeted investments to support affordability, create good jobs and grow an economy that will make Canada more sustainable and prosperous for generations to come.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with MP Lisa Hepfner, MP Arielle Kayabaga, and MP Peter Fragiskatos, visited FedDev Ontario funding recipients, small business owners and leaders in Hamilton and London. While there she highlighted the federal government's commitment to support Canadians and initiatives that are creating new good-paying jobs, growing our economy and fostering innovation in southern Ontario.
While in Hamilton, the Minister attended the annual "Invest in Hamilton Partnership Meeting" at McMaster Innovation Park. She noted that the Government of Canada will continue investing in Canadians and to ensure they have the skills needed to step into the new jobs being created locally, while also bringing to Canada more skilled workers that our growing economy needs.
The Minister then toured the Park to see the Government's investments in action, including The Forge, which previously received a $1.2-million investment from FedDev Ontario to create a 10,000-square-foot makerspace which provides local entrepreneurs access to equipment and business services. The Forge shares a space with the Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical and Health Innovation Ecosystem (SOPHIE). Last year, SOPHIE received a $6-million investment from FedDev Ontario to help businesses in the lifesciences sector access support, allow them to perform tests, develop innovative products and grow their companies. Minister Tassi met with businesses supported through the project and learned about the 30 collaborations and 24 commercialization projects that have taken place to date. She concluded her time in Hamilton with a roundtable with local stakeholders where they discussed the region's strengths, opportunities and how Hamilton can help make Canada a leader in the industries of tomorrow.
In the afternoon, the Minister travelled to Aylmer, Ontario, where she announced $2.5 million, through the Jobs and Growth Fund, for Sante Manufacturing Inc., (Sante)-a partly woman-owned and led health and beauty company specializing in packaging and distribution of liquid hand soap, shampoo, conditioner and creams. With this investment, Sante will establish itself as the first fully-integrated, large volume, soap manufacturer in Canada. Funding will support facility upgrades and new manufacturing equipment to offer new product lines. As a result, Sante will be able to improve production capabilities by 50 percent, decrease order lead time by 30 percent, and create 50 new jobs in the London region.
While in the London area Minister Tassi also met with local small business owners to discuss the investments the government is making to help them recover from the pandemic and grow their business to contribute to an economy that works for everyone.
