St. Thomas, ONTARIO – Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London and the Conservative government officially launched the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) today.  The launch is the final step in fulfilling a key commitment in the Government’s Economic Action Plan.

“This is good news for workers and businesses in Southern Ontario. This will get the money flowing on top of all of the other funding announcements through Building Canada and the Community Adjustment Fund” said Preston, “With district offices throughout the region, FedDev Ontario will be one more tool to ensure that workers and businesses in Elgin-Middlesex-London have the resources they need to succeed.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the new Regional Development Agency in Kitchener-Waterloo today, with Minister of State Gary Goodyear. Minister of State Goodyear will have responsibility for the new Agency.

“I look forward working with the Minister in his new role as we look for opportunities to attract and keep jobs here in Elgin-Middlesex-London” said Joe Preston, MP.

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will be Canada’s fifth regional development organization.  A sixth regional development organization for Canada’s North is also planned.

FedDev Ontario will support restructuring, community and business development, innovation and commercialization initiatives as well as other measures to promote economic diversification.  It builds on the significant investments already being implemented through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

For more information, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.