They'll play a very prominent role. That's why they are mentioned as part of the title, Innovation, Science and Economic Development. The roles of the regional development agencies have been elevated. Not only have we put forward strategies, for example, the Atlantic growth strategy, and we're working through FedNor to have a strategy for northern Ontario, but we've also increased funding, so there are more resources for diversification and job creation, focusing on the Internet and connectivity, for example, in some of these rural and remote communities. We're proud of the fact that we've increased funding for ACOA, CanNor, CEDQ, WD, and renewed the mandate for FedDev. That just highlights how important RDAs are to our economic agenda.
On November 28th, 2017. See this statement in context.