Minister Tassi tours Hamilton region and announces $2.5M for Sante Manufacturing
by CM Staff
The Minister travelled to Aylmer, Ontario, where she announced $2.5 million, through the Jobs and Growth Fund, for Sante Manufacturing Inc.
HAMILTON and LONDON — On Nov. 7, Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with MP Lisa Hepfner, MP Arielle Kayabaga, and MP Peter Fragiskatos, visited FedDev Ontario funding recipients, small business owners and leaders in Hamilton and London.
While in Hamilton, the Minister attended the annual “Invest in Hamilton Partnership Meeting” at McMaster Innovation Park. She noted that the Government of Canada will continue investing in Canadians and to ensure they have the skills needed to step into the new jobs being created locally, while also bringing to Canada more skilled workers that our growing economy needs.
The Minister then toured the Park to see the Government’s investments in action, including The Forge, which previously received a $1.2-million investment from FedDev Ontario to create a 10,000-square-foot makerspace which provides local entrepreneurs access to equipment and business services. The Forge shares a space with the Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical and Health Innovation Ecosystem (SOPHIE). Last year, SOPHIE received a $6-million investment from FedDev Ontario to help businesses in the life sciences sector access support, allow them to perform tests, develop innovative products and grow their companies. Minister Tassi met with businesses supported through the project and learned about the 30 collaborations and 24 commercialization projects that have taken place to date. She concluded her time in Hamilton with a roundtable with local stakeholders where they discussed the region’s strengths, opportunities and how Hamilton can help make Canada a leader in the industries of tomorrow.
In the afternoon, the Minister travelled to Aylmer, Ontario, where she announced $2.5 million, through the Jobs and Growth Fund, for Sante Manufacturing Inc., (Sante) — a health and beauty company specializing in packaging and distribution of liquid hand soap, shampoo, conditioner and creams. Funding will support facility upgrades and new manufacturing equipment to offer new product lines. As a result, Sante will be able to improve production capabilities by 50 percent, decrease order lead time by 30 percent, and create 50 new jobs in the London region.
“When we invest in Canadians, we invest in a future that benefits everyone. We are working directly with entrepreneurs and small businesses across Hamilton and the London area to harness the region’s talent, create good jobs, and spur economic growth. We will continue making smart investments that put people first and sets local communities on a path to prosperity,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Agency for Southern Ontario.
