Goodyear says more funds could come to Oakville by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 13 | Wednesday, October 9, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency in Ontario (FedDev) Gary Goodyear said his agency has set Ontario on a strong foundation over the last four years -- and now is the time to build on it. Goodyear spoke about FedDev's record and its roadmap Friday at an Oakville Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Argus Road Holiday Inn. FedDev Ontario was established in August 2009 to help the southern Ontario economy cope with regional and global economic challenges through targeted investments aimed at creating jobs and addressing pressing needs. The federal government recently voted to renew FedDev's funding to the tune of $920 million over five years. "The economic health of our nation is not going to be fixed by one thing or two things. It is certainly not going to be quick. It won't be a single, massive project," said Goodyear. "It will, however, be the result of working with vibrant communities who have many great ideas, who are dedicated professionals like yourselves, who are innovative and quite willing to take the next step." Goodyear said the federal government will work with a wide array of businesses -- from the auto industry to the corner store. He said his agency started out providing mon- ey for projects to create jobs, such as construction, but moved to those that are innovative, creative, and improve efficiency and are better quality , longer-lasting jobs. To date, Goodyear said, FedDev has moved $1.2 billion to projects in Ontario. "We're not done. Gary Goodyear There is more to do, but these investments have made a difference," he said. Goodyear said FedDev investments have included a repayable contribution of $925,000 to Smart Energy Instruments Inc., and up to $500,000 for ARDA Power Inc. Smart Energy Instruments Inc. used it to further develop, test and bring to market, technology for measuring complex electric power quantities synchronized across an entire grid and communicating it in real time. ARDA Power Inc. was able to accelerate and its high efficiency/low cost solar power converter systems and bring them to market faster. Goodyear said FedDev invested another $8 million in Oakville -- including $500,000 to- wards the Bronte Athletic Field and $300,000 to upgrades at the Oakville Curling Club. Goodyear said Ontario manufacturers and businesses need to ramp up research and development to productivity. FedDev , he said, would work to assist through a $200-million Advanced Manufacturing Fund. Goodyear said all of it is geared towards re- turning Ontario to a state of prosperity. "We are aiming for greatness. We are aiming for things that will turn the economy around, but create economic sectors that are second to none in the world. We are aiming for better long-term prosperity through better productivity. Why? Because that is directly linked to our quality of life." Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. 14kt yellow, white and rose gold pave set with; 6.64ct., 414 brilliant cut diamonds., SI2-I1, G-H, (Gemscan Replacement Value $15,600) You can have this one only, for $7,800* The Highest Quality, The Lowest Price. Guaranteed. 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. Special purchase of 2012 Golf Trendline 5 door automatics SALE to choose from $ 17,895 SALE PRICE Finance rates from + tax and licence · All with Cold Weather package · All Certified Pre Owned · Colours and mileage varies by car · Former daily rental cars pre-owned Diesels to choose from: TDI's B3176 B3185 B3187 B3202 B3203 B3205 B3207 09 Jetta Comfortline TDI AT 09 Jetta Highline TDI AT 09 Jetta Highline TDI AT 12 Highline Golf TDI 09 Jetta Comfortline TDI 09 Jetta Comfortline TDI 12 Golf Comfortline TDI Silver/Black cloth Black/beige Leather Blue/Black leather Grey/Black Leather White/black cloth Black/Black cloth Black/Black cloth 43,853km 77,544km 77,250km 16,871km 68,734km 93,537km 26,113 km $20,467 $20,995 $20,179 $27 995 $19,272 $19,158 $25,990 $10,000 at 0.9% over 24 months, monthly payment of $420.58, COB $93.92, OAC.