NEWS
editionap.ca
Long-lasting economic aid for Eastern Ontario GREGGCHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca tance to retain and create jobs in our com- munity.” force, upgrade equipment, and develop expanded marketing schemes. aid the city in attracting investment in the fields of bio-medical research and “green” energy.
The provincial legislature approved Bill 11 last week, making the EODF a permanent part of the Ontario Liberal government’s re- gional economic development aid strategy. The legislation, titled the Attracting In- vestment and Supporting Jobs Act, saw the Grit minority government and its Tory main opposition taking opposing sides. The Lib- erals, with NDP support, approved the bill while the Progressive Conservatives voted against it. The EODF has been a provincial govern- ment regional aid program since 2008 but required renewal every two years or so. Since it was set up the EODF has provided almost $600 million of investment support to the private sector in Eastern Ontario and created or maintained more than 13,000 jobs. The program helps small- and medi- um-sized businesses expand their work-
Coun. Blais noted that the National Capi- tal Region would see great benefit from being able to tap into the EODF and that would see a ripple effect of benefit to the surrounding region. “As goes Ottawa’s economy, so goes East- ern Ontario’s,” he said, adding that Ottawa needs a broad commercial and industrial tax base too and not an economy that de- pends on federal government jobs. “A diversified economy is key to our eco- nomic prosperity,” Blais said. Ottawa’s high-tech sector has lost some trade to Québec where provincial tax in- centives there have drawn away potential businesses that could have set up in the na- tional capital. The EODF could be a help in marketing Ottawa-Orléans as a home for computer and other high-tech companies and also
The councillor also sees potential benefit for his Cumberland and rural Orléans ward. He cited as an example the Raleigh-Durham region of North Carolina, which is a large ru- ral community mixed with some urban de- velopment. The area is working to broaden its economic base away from dependence on agriculture and tourism and Blais thinks his Cumberland ward could do the same. “We have industrial parks here that are still empty,” he said. Blais noted that Cumberland-Orléans has good transportation links through High- ways 417 and 174 to both Ottawa and east and south to Toronto and Montréal. The community has a large, well-educated and skilled work force, he added, and good training programs to support new commer- cial and industrial ventures. Keep slapping mosquitoes Eastern Ontario | The end of summer draws near but the mosquitoes don’t seem to know that. The province’s chief medical health offi- cer and regional public health units remind residents thatWest Nile virus remains a con- cern during the warm weather season even as autumn draws closer. The latest report from the Ontario Pub- lic Health Office indicates West Nile moni- toring programs throughout the province have recorded 89 “positive”mosquito pools so far this year. This is the highest number of areas for detection of mosquitoes carrying the disease since 2002. Most West Nile cases in humans start to appear in August and September, if a per- son is infected with the disease. Anyone go- ing outside for yard work or for recreation is urged to wear light-coloured clothing and, if possible, long-sleeved shirts and pants, shoes and socks. Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Use an insect-repellant that contains DEET when outside. Make sure there are no “standing water” sources like old tires lying on the ground, empty cans or barrels on the grounds. Empty birdbaths on a regular ba- sis. Keep lawns cut short to keep the ground beneath from becoming damp or soggy and serving as a mosquito-breeding site. Symptoms of West Nile virus may be mis- taken for cold or flu symptoms. They in- clude fever, headached, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and may also feature a rash on the chest, stomach or back. More severe symptoms include muscle weakness, stiff neck, mental confusion, tremors, numbness, and a sudden sensitiv- ity to light. Symptoms appear within two to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite. If several of these symptoms appear fol- lowing one or more mosquito bites, see a doctor for testing. VISION@EAP.ON.CA PRESCOTT-RUSSELL
Ottawa | Ottawa city council is keen on the idea of a permanent economic develop- ment fund for Eastern Ontario, as long as Ottawa can make use of the fund too. Cumberland Ward Coun. Stephen Blais had no trouble getting full support from council during its Aug. 26 session for his resolution calling for all-party support in the provincial legislature for Bill 11, which concerns extending the life of the eastern and southwestern regional development funds. “One of our most important roles as elected officials is to create an environment where private sector jobs can flourish,” Blais said. “The Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) provides much needed assis-
SOUPE-REPAS
ASIATIQUE
8 95 * En saLLe à mANger seulement IN dININg rOOm only ASiAN sOUp mEAl
9071, CHEMIN DE COMTÉ 17, ROCKLAND
Présentation suggérée. *Taxes en sus. Pour un temps limité, en salle à manger des St-Hubert Express participants seulement. © Marque de commerce de St-Hubert S.E.C., employée sous licence. Suggested serving. *Taxes extra. Limited time offer at participating St-Hubert Express dining rooms only. © Trademark of St-Hubert L.P., used under license.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker