In its latest online poll the Chamber asked the question: Should the City of Windsor reduce existing services to achieve a zero-based budget in 2010?

The result of the poll is as follows:

Yes 47%

No 42%

No opinion 11%

Total 36 votes

The new Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) has rolled out two more funding programs totaling $30 million, it was announced on November 6. About $16 million will be devoted to the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) SMART program, which provides grants of up to $50,000 for small and medium-sized manufacturers seeking to increase productivity through efforts such as lean manufacturing, energy efficiency and improved industrial design. 

The remaining funds will be used to top up the Southern Ontario Development Program, meaning that $55 million is now available for regional economic development initiatives, with applications for funding due on December 1st.

"Ten years ago, our provincial industry ministers met in Ottawa to develop strategies for information and communications technology (ICT) engagement. At that time, Canada was a leader in both investment and forward-looking policy. In 2001, for example, Canada had the highest broadband penetration and we ranked third amongst OECD countries in the contribution that ICR made to productivity.

Today, we are no longer leaders in any ICT category. In the past decade, we have built up a wealth of research and studies that all reach a similar conclusion: greater emphasis needs to be placed on ICT strategy in Canada." 

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