Welcome to the first blog on regional economic development in Eastern Ontario!  The last few weeks have been remarkable to say the least for those of us who follow regional economic development. The Federal Budget had a few surprises, but there is one in particular that caught us off guard: the new Southern Ontario Development Agency (SODA). What will this new agency mean for economic development in Eastern Ontario?

For the first entry, we are aware that many economic development stakeholders in Eastern Ontario have been thinking and talking about the Federal Budget and what it means for our region. We have spent the last week trying to gather information on SODA, sifting through media reports and speaking with our colleagues across the Province. There is a lot of uncertainty and speculation in response to what is stated in the Budget:

"In response to Ontario's economic challenges, Budget 2009 provides more than $1 billion over five years for a new Southern Ontario development agency. Its programs will support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with contributions to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations. It will help workers, communities and businesses in Southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of opportunities, as economic growth recovers in Canada and around the world."

More specific to Eastern Ontario:

"Budget 2009 also provides $20 million over two years for the Eastern Ontario Development program to support business and community development in rural areas of Eastern Ontario. This program will be administered by the Southern Ontario development agency."

So what will this mean for Eastern Ontario? Will this help the region or will Southwestern Ontario issues dominate the policy agenda? We are interested in hearing from you -- what do you think the impact of this agency will be for Eastern Ontario? How can Eastern Ontario benefit?

We hope the SODA theme gets us going as we plan to devote a couple hours a week blogging on regional economic issues in Eastern Ontario.

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André G. Lafrenière  - Director   |2009-04-02 09:33:21 ECI (EXPOCREATION INC.) is dedicated to economic development and located in Kawartha Lakes Ontario. My clients and connections are primarily in South/Central/Eastern Ontario! Reply

Clark Hoskin  - SODA and working together   |2009-11-25 07:35:21 All of southern Ontario is enthusiastic about getting the same amount of attention that eastern Ontario has received. We look forward to working with you in the future! Reply

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