Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has helped to protect millions of jobs, provide emergency support to families and keep businesses afloat as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.

“Small- and medium-sized businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is here to help them, protecting over 43,000 jobs across southern Ontario. With the second wave upon us, we’ve heard clearly from businesses and workers that more support is needed. That’s why we’re enhancing and expanding the RRRF to help even more Ontarians. Our message to them is clear: we’ve been here for you with significant measures, we’re here for you now and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help our economy come back strong.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“COVID-19 has had a severe impact on small- and medium-sized businesses across all of southern Ontario. The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has helped to save more than 43,000 jobs in this region, but there is still more to be done. Today’s announcement of additional funding through the RRRF will help many more local businesses survive the hardships caused by the crisis. Now more than ever, FedDev Ontario is playing a key role in delivering critical support to keep our businesses afloat while preparing for economic recovery.”
— Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario)

• In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario was originally allocated a total of $252.4 million through the RRRF. Today’s announcement brings the total RRRF funding for southern Ontario businesses and organizations to $436.4 million.  

• In addition to the hundreds of businesses receiving support directly, key FedDev Ontario investments made to-date through the RRRF include:

  • $50 million to help main street businesses and SMEs reignite their recovery and embrace a digital future.
  • $4.5 million to help Francophone businesses, not-for-profits and social enterprises in official languages minority communities (OLMCs).
  • $4 million to support women-led businesses in southern Ontario.

• Recognizing the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism in the region, FedDev Ontario has invested nearly $68 million in RRRF funding to support the recovery and growth of this important industry.  

• Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), the Fund addresses gaps left by other federal relief measures and complements those already provided by other levels of government.

Associated links

• Government of Canada expands Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide further support for businesses
• FedDev Ontario Regional Relief and Recovery
• FedDev Ontario
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505

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