For Immediate Release
Toronto
06/08/2012

Strong Action For Ontario's Economy: McGuinty Government Names Jobs And Prosperity Council Members

NEWS

The McGuinty government has named the 13 members of the newly formed Jobs and Prosperity Council, who will sit alongside Chair Gordon Nixon.

As announced in the 2012 Budget the council will generate new ideas and approaches for improving Ontario’s long-term productivity and competitiveness. The council will report directly to the Premier and will have its first meeting later this month.

The council comprises leaders from business, labour and the research community, and draws on experience from across the province. Members are:

• Bonnie Brooks – President, Hudson's Bay Company
• George Cope – President and CEO, BCE Inc. and Bell Canada
• Linda Hasenfratz – CEO, Linamar Corporation
• Nitin Kawale – President, Cisco Systems Canada
• Genevieve Knauff – Owner,  gck Consulting Ltd. and hme Enterprises Ltd.
• Darryl Lake  – Founder and former CEO, Northern Centre for Advanced Technology
• Mike Lazaridis – Founder and Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Research in Motion Limited
• Kevin Lynch – Vice-Chair, BMO Financial Group
• Michael McCain – President and CEO, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
• Joe Repovs  – Founder and CEO, Samco Machinery
• Reza Satchu – Managing Partner, Alignvest Capital Management
• Jim Stanford – Economist
• Jeff Westeinde – Chair, Windmill Development Group

Providing the right climate to attract investment, create jobs and grow the economy is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create a vibrant economy.  A strong economy creates jobs for Ontarians and protects the services that matter most to Ontario families – health care and education.

 

QUOTES

“This is an accomplished, dynamic group who will work alongside Chair Gordon Nixon. With their strong leadership and experience, we can be confident they will provide innovative and worthwhile advice to help grow our economy.”
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

"I look forward to working with this diverse group of leaders. The unique strengths and expertise each member brings to the table will ensure that the Jobs and Prosperity Council delivers the best possible advice on job creation and productivity.”
— Gordon Nixon, President and CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada

 

QUICK FACTS

• The 2012 Budget takes strong action to eliminate Ontario's deficit by 2017-18 while protecting health care and education – essential to creating jobs and growing the economy.
• In 2011, Ontario ranked first among major jurisdictions in North America in foreign direct investment per capita, according to fDi Intelligence (Financial Times Ltd).
• Ontario attracted 840 foreign direct investment projects between 2003-2011, accounting for about $50 billion and over 97,500 jobs, according to fDi Intelligence (Financial Times Ltd).
• In 2011, full-time employment increased by 123,400 in Ontario.
• Ontario has cut taxes on business investment in half, making the province more competitive and encouraging new business investments.

 

LEARN MORE

• About the members of the Jobs And Prosperity Council
• About the Jobs and Prosperity Council.
• Read the 2012 Ontario Budget.
• About the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act.

For more information:

Brianna Ames
Minister's Office
416-325-6909

Brigitte Marleau
Communications Branch
416 325-2479

ontario.ca/economy-news

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