For Immediate Release
November 1st, 2016
Mayor Crombie Lauds City-Building Priorities in Fall Economic Statement
“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, I welcome today’s Fall Economic Statement presented by Finance Minister Bill Morneau.
“What we have before us is a plan of action by the Trudeau government to make cities more livable places by investing in the priorities of Canada’s municipalities including, transit, infrastructure and housing.
“We look forward to exploring how The Canada Infrastructure Bank can allow cities, like Mississauga, to access capital for projects like the Missing Link – our plan for all-day, two-way, GO Train service on the Milton and Kitchener GO Train lines.
“The Canada Infrastructure Bank will be responsible for investing at least $35 billion on a cash basis from the federal government into large infrastructure projects. The Missing Link is in Canada’s national economic interest. This line is critical to Canada’s economy. It is a Continental Gateway, allowing for the movement of large amounts of goods to and from the central Canadian market.
“I further welcome news that the Trudeau government will work to improve the coordination of foreign-direct investment and retention strategies with all governments, by allocating $218 million to establish the new Invest in Canada Hub agency.
“I serve on the board of directors for the new regional economic development agency – Toronto Global. Toronto Global will champion the economic interests of the 29 municipalities throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
“There is strength in numbers. Toronto Global will help Mississauga press ahead with our international business attraction, retention and investment efforts. The Trudeau and Wynne governments have put real funding into Toronto Global to get it up and running. Toronto Global will be an important partner to the new Invest in Canada Hub.
“Last year we undertook a Mississauga economic development investment mission to South America. While in South America we held over 100 meetings, in three countries, over eight days, connecting with businesses, including Biolab, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Brazil.
“Our investment mission is paying dividends. Biolab has chosen Mississauga as home for its new research and development centre. This state-of-the-art facility will span nearly 13,000 square feet. It’s a $56 million investment that will create 40 high-paying and high-value jobs, many in research and development. It will add more than $45,000 annually to our tax base, providing important funding that will go toward the quality public services we all rely on like transit, affordable housing and public health.
“We look forward to further details about the Trudeau government’s Smart Cities Challenge. Mississauga continues to be a digital innovator to deliver quality public services. Technology and open data are helping to build a connected city. Residents are empowered. Ideas are being explored. New apps are being brainstormed, developed and launched for public use.
“Mississauga is partnering with Cisco to advance the connection of services such as the Advance Traffic Management System (ATMS), as well as undertake a proof of concept for District Wi-Fi – sensor-based technology that will improve service delivery and increase efficiencies.
“Earlier this year Council and staff welcomed Minister Morneau, Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains, and Mississauga Members of Parliament to City Hall, for a comprehensive briefing about our transit and economic development efforts. I remain encouraged that many of the issues we raised in our conversations continue to be pressing priorities for the Trudeau government.
“I wish to reiterate that city-building is nation-building and I look forward to working with the Trudeau government to secure new investments in Canada’s sixth largest city, get shovels in the ground, transit and infrastructure built, and jobs created.”
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