Ontario Leads the Way. Brad Duguid.

From the Sarnia Observer.


Ontario’s economy is growing – the Conference Board of Canada reports that Ontario is leading in growth, and we’re projected to lead the country next year in GDP growth again, along with B.C. But not everyone is feeling the benefits. We need to ensure everyone is included in our economy – we believe everyone should benefit from Ontario’s growth, no matter which region they live in.As Minister of Economic Development and Growth, I report on Ontario’s job growth every month. This year, those numbers were incredibly positive: 660,000 net new jobs have been created since the depths of the recession – 90 per cent of those are full time, 75 per cent are in the private sector, and 75 per cent pay above-average wages.

But I know that may not resonate with everyone in areas like Sarnia. We recognize that many Ontarians were let go from good-paying jobs during the recession, and they haven’t found similar work to replace what they lost. Some have found work, but they’re making less than they did at their old job, or their new job is temporary or part-time. Others who kept or regained their jobs haven’t seen their incomes rise along with the cost of living and they too feel they have fallen behind.

Link to the rest here.

Wikipedia article on Mr. Duguid.

His official website.

Image credit.


Thanks for reading.

Sarnia Real Estate at Record-Setting Pace.

(Morguefile)

From Paul Morden, Sarnia Observer.

Sarnia-Lambton's real estate market is on a record-setting pace in the final days of 2016.

Steve Park, president of the Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Board, said the total sales dollar volume in November was up 23 per cent to $38 million.

“It's up huge,” he said.

That compares to $31 million for the same month in 2015.

The year-to-date total sales dollar volume locally was up 10 per cent last month to $435 million, compared to $395 million at the same point in 2015.

Park credits a rise in home prices, and a busy fall market for the increases.

Link to the rest here.

Thanks for reading.

 

BioAmber Opens Up Asian Markets.

Photo/effects by |Zach Neal.

From the Sarnia Observer.

Bio-succinic acid that’s made in Sarnia is expected to be shipped to China and South Korea in 2017 to help open new markets there.

The building-block chemical – used in plastics, lubricants, paint, cosmetics, food additives and other products – is made from corn syrup by Montreal-based BioAmber at a $141-million Sarnia plant completed in 2015.

It was announced this week that product from that plant is to be sold to a Korean company that BioAmber is planning to partner with in Asia.

The two companies announced plans to establish a joint venture in China to produce up to 36,000 metric tons of bio-succinic acid annually to sell in Asia.

BioAmber's partner in the joint venture, CJ CheilJedang (CJCJ) is also set to purchase succinic acid from Sarnia to develop markets in China and South Korea in the first half of 2017, according to a news release.

Link to the rest here.

Additional coverage.

BioAmber website.

Wikipedia.

Thanks for reading.

Bill Weber New County Warden.

Photo courtesy Bill Weber.

From the County of Lambton official website.


Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber has been elected by his peers on Lambton County Council to be the 157th Warden of Lambton County.  Warden Weber was elected by secret ballot to serve for the 2017-18 term at Lambton County Council's meeting in Wyoming earlier this month.

Warden Weber began his political career as a Councillor for Stephen Township in 1986, was elected Deputy Reeve of that municipality in 1992 and Reeve in 1995.  He served on Huron County Council from 1992-1997.  In 2000, Warden Weber was elected to serve on the newly amalgamated Lambton Shores Council and held the position of Ward 2 Councillor until 2010 when he was elected Mayor of Lambton Shores, a position he was re-elected to in 2014.

 

Link to the rest here.

Coverage from Blackburn News.

Coverage from the Sarnia Observer.

Thank you for reading.