London, Ontario - Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced today an investment of up to $1,798,500 for the University of Western Ontario Research and Development Park (The Research Park). This contribution will allow current and future graduates of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs gain real-world business skills and experience through internships with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the Middlesex and Sarnia-Lambton regions.
"Our government is committed to creating jobs and growth in London and all across southern Ontario," said MP Truppe. "Today’s investment will equip STEM students with real-world experience, while providing businesses in our community with technical knowledge and innovative ideas to help them succeed."
This investment is being provided through FedDev Ontario’s Graduate Enterprise Internship, which provides funding for not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions to arrange internship and mentoring opportunities for recent graduates and graduate students with small and medium-sized enterprises.
"The Research Park and The Stiller Centre are excited to have the opportunity to have a lasting, positive impact on small and medium-sized enterprises in the region and to be able to assist STEM graduates who are looking to find entry level employment in their fields." said Lee Smithson, Managing Director of The Stiller Centre for Technology Commercialization. “The partnerships that this program builds will provide companies with the fresh ideas, skills and perspective these recent graduates bring and provide these young people a structured mentoring plan, exposing them to the management and strategies needed to succeed in their business sector.”
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region’s businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Thomas
Special Assistant – Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-960-7728
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
519-571-6879
