County Loans $4.5 Million for Bio-Industrial Start-Up Fund.

Photo by Zach Neal.

From Barbara Simpson, Sarnia Observer.

Southwestern Ontario could see at least $9 million be invested over the next few years into new start-up bioindustrial companies carrying job-creation hopes for a struggling regional economy.

Officials with Sarnia-based Bioindustrial Innovation Canada secured Thursday a $4.5-million loan from the County of Lambton to help create a $9-million pool – which includes federal dollars – to fund the creation of new bio-industrial technologies like the conversion of agricultural waste into industrial sugars to create “green” plastics and chemicals.

“I think there isn't anything more important for us right now, in Southwestern Ontario, in Sarnia-Lambton, than to be seen as a leader towards this new economy – a cleaner, a greener, and down the road, a sustainable economy,” Sarnia city/county Coun. Bev MacDougall said at Thursday's county council meeting.

Sarnia-Lambton leaders have been working for about a decade to diverse the largely petrochemical economy with the addition of bioindustrial plants.

Link to the rest here.

Additional coverage from Blackburn News.

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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.

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Wikipedia article on Mr. Duguid.

His official website.

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