Mr. speaker, I rise to bring attention to the lack of long term federal investment in rural southern Ontario.
Across Canada programs such as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the northern Ontario development program and the western diversification program are making a meaningful difference to the citizens of those areas.
Southern Ontario is the only part of Canada where rural economic development funding does not exist.
Despite what many policy makers believe, southern Ontario does face a significant amount of economic challenges. The declining farm, manufacturing and tourism industries are combining to cause financial distress to many communities.
In my riding of Brant, many families, businesses and individuals are finding it difficult to survive under these conditions.
I call on the government to recognize the need for a southern Ontario regional economic development initiative and to increase opportunities for citizens of Brant and all of rural southern Ontario.