Job creation central theme of local election campaign

The central theme for the local election campaign is job creation and economic growth for the region, this according to Nipissing Conservative Candidate Jay Aspin.

Aspin held a news conference Tuesday afternoon at his campaign headquarters on Trout Lake Road to highlight his policy platform.

“Everyone agrees, in this election, the central theme for Nipissing-Timiskaming is the creation of jobs and the growth of our economy,” he notes in his speech.

“My background as a business and economic developer is best suited to address this issue by implementing the government’s “Here for Canada” Plan for Jobs and Growth in this riding.”

He says there are three key areas that he will undertake in order to be successful. They are; work co-operatively with FedNor to get maximum job and economic benefit for Nipissing-Timiskaming, have a community based approach, and enhance the business advisory services.

“This region has already received millions in benefits from FedNor. The program has been strengthened with the addition of $4 million over the next 3 years which will allow more support for job focused economic projects. It would be my intention to work cooperatively with FedNor and its Minister to get the maximum benefit for our riding. It would be my intention through actions outlined below to provide for equal participation in the FedNor initiative throughout our riding.”

“To encourage Jobs and Growth in Nipissing-Timiskaming I propose creating 12 geographic clusters to address specific local economic needs. Each community economic cluster will focus on initiatives that will create jobs and growth of the economy specific to their area. Community based committees furthering these developments will be encouraged to work with FedNor officials as well as the Community Futures Development Corporations. Projects that will move forward will be based on the maximum benefit created for each cluster in terms of future job growth and economic development. A more proactive approach will be encouraged among federal officials to provide assistance and encouragement for solid development projects meeting specific ‘jobs and economic growth’ criteria.”

“I will work closely with the CFDC network to install an business advisory unit within the CFDCs operating in the Nipissing- Timiskaming riding. This unit would ensure the business benefits of Budget 2011 are widely known and widely understood so the businesses of the region get maximum advantages from the new incentives in the budget.”





Aspin's Sample Case – The Community Economic Region of North Bay

With specific regard to the region of North Bay, my focus will be on four major projects where I believe the Federal Government can play a proactive and enhanced role. These projects are:

- The North Bay Waterfront
- The Airbase Industrial Park
- The SAGE complex
- Environmental Research Park

North Bay Waterfront
The Federal role will be strengthened here. I will proactively and co-operatively work with FedNor as well as other government programs to enhance the contribution to the Waterfront development. In addition, I will use my role and my connections as an international business developer to attract fresh investment and new ideas to this exciting project.

The Airbase Industrial Park
This park holds much of the future industrial growth possibilities for the City of North Bay. Again, Federal presence must be enhanced. I will proactively and cooperatively work with FedNor programs and our national government to enhance the Federal role and contribution to the Airbase Industrial Park.

The Sage Complex
Much has been touted with regard to the future of this complex in terms of new economy job generation for the City of North Bay. I will work with the Government of Canada to clear the way forward for development of this asset for the benefit of the City of North Bay. I believe we need a member working on the government side to clear the log jam for the development of this property for job generation in North Bay’s best interest and I am prepared to make that commitment. In addition, I will use my role and my connections as an international business developer to attract fresh investment and new ideas to this exciting project.

Environmental Research Park

Six years ago I initiated the Biomass Initiative in North Bay. Three years ago I delivered some seed money for Nipissing University to create the Biomass Innovation Centre. As your government member I will work towards the establishment of an Environment Research Park connecting Nipissing University with the private sector.