The WOWC has provided a submission to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario regarding the proposed 2022 federal electoral districts redistribution.

On behalf of its communities and its residents, and after significant consultation with Members of Parliament (MPs) from the region, the WOWC expressed its position on the proposed riding redistribution, with particular regard to:

           • The need for an extension to the consultation timeline;

           • The need to consult adequately regarding name changes;

           • The need to ensure communities of interest remain whole; and

           • The importance of maintaining the current rural seat count for Southwestern Ontario.

It is inconceivable, in the opinion of the WOWC, to redistribute the ridings as per the existing proposal. For the many reasons outlined in this submission, the proposed district boundaries will negatively and significantly impact the rural residents across the region. This concern is further exacerbated by the reality that no redistribution is required in Southwestern Ontario, in order to respect the electoral quotas.

Visit the Federal Electoral Districts website

October is Manufacturing Month.

In honour of Manufacturing Month, the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC), Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing and the region's economic development offices partnered to celebrate and promote the important role manufacturers play in our communities and local economies.

This initiative has featured short profiles of innovative western Ontario-based manufacturers from across the region throughout October on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Each profile provides some background on the company’s history, its innovative capacity, and how it contributes to our communities. 

View the full campaign

Essex County

• SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors, has committed a combined investment of $20.2 million to bring high-speed internet service to 5,386 underserved homes and businesses throughout Essex County.
• In total, SWIFT has awarded 97 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring more than 63,000 homes and businesses across the region improved access to high-speed internet. Local projects are underway, including 47 projects in the construction phase and 47 projects completed.

Waterloo Region

• SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors, has committed a combined investment of $12 million to bring high-speed internet service to 1,339 underserved homes and businesses throughout the Region of Waterloo.
• In total, SWIFT has awarded 97 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring more than 63,000 homes and businesses across the region improved access to high-speed internet. Local projects are underway, including 47 projects in the construction phase and 47 projects completed.

View the press releases

The Ontario government is supporting more than $24 million in investments by four companies in Southwestern Ontario to boost local manufacturing and create 52 new good-paying jobs. As part of those investments, the government is providing each company with $500,000 in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, for a total of $2 million in support.

Sante Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of health and beauty products in Aylmer, is investing $7.5 million to vertically integrate their operations and diversify their product offerings to meet increasing consumer demand. 

Idol Core Industries creates sustainable solutions for plastic products using compostable materials, mainly for the agricultural industry. The company is investing $5.1 million to relocate and expand manufacturing operations in Kingsville. Expanding their operations will enable Idol Core Industries to develop more innovative technology and products, including designing and engineering tools for niche market packaging. Idol Core Industries’ expansion will create 10 new jobs.

MC3 Manufacturing is a machine tool and stamping conveyor systems manufacturer that produces and installs various types of conveyor systems. The company is investing $6.8 million to build a new facility in Kingsville that will house new, cutting-edge automated equipment, including a robotic powder coat painting system. With this new facility, MC3 Manufacturing will be able to increase their productivity, further develop their innovation, and provide opportunities in new markets. MC3 will create 19 new jobs through this expansion.

Learn more about the Regional Economic Development Program

The Ontario government is supporting more than $24 million in investments by four companies in Southwestern Ontario to boost local manufacturing and create 52 new good-paying jobs. As part of those investments, the government is providing each company with $500,000 in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, for a total of $2 million in support.

Sante Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of health and beauty products in Aylmer, is investing $7.5 million to vertically integrate their operations and diversify their product offerings to meet increasing consumer demand. 

Idol Core Industries creates sustainable solutions for plastic products using compostable materials, mainly for the agricultural industry. The company is investing $5.1 million to relocate and expand manufacturing operations in Kingsville. Expanding their operations will enable Idol Core Industries to develop more innovative technology and products, including designing and engineering tools for niche market packaging. Idol Core Industries’ expansion will create 10 new jobs.

MC3 Manufacturing is a machine tool and stamping conveyor systems manufacturer that produces and installs various types of conveyor systems. The company is investing $6.8 million to build a new facility in Kingsville that will house new, cutting-edge automated equipment, including a robotic powder coat painting system. With this new facility, MC3 Manufacturing will be able to increase their productivity, further develop their innovation, and provide opportunities in new markets. MC3 will create 19 new jobs through this expansion.

Learn more about the Regional Economic Development Program

The County of Simcoe's Economic Development department recently hosted an event geared toward employers in addressing workforce issues.

The event explored the key ingredients that make a job ad appealing to candidates, how businesses of all sizes can shape and communicate job ads, and how employers can deliver on their promise throughout the employee lifecycle to attract and retain talent.

The event was designed for business leaders, entrepreneurs and human resource professionals across sectors including tourism, agriculture, tech, professional services, manufacturing and more!

Local Employers also shared firsthand experiences of innovative tactics and strategies to attract employees.

Learn more about Work In Simcoe County initiatives