The South West Economic Alliance President Serge Lavoie wants all 200 million dollars of next years FedDev Ontario funding to come with some sort of criteria.
Lavoie says because the program started late this year FedDev spent the first 100 million on broad stroke approaches — which he says are OK investments.
However, he says says only 40 million dollars so far has been announced subject to any criteria — with the other 160 million not subject to any.
Lavoie says SWEA’s concern is to now make sure that in future years all 200 million is subject to some sort of criteria.
Lavoie says SWEA accepts the fact year one of FedDev was an anomaly and they had to spend quickly, but he says that should not be the way they continue to do business.
SWEA is calling for a board of directors in place by 2010 at FedDev and the formation of sound criteria that everyone can access.
SWEA also wants some recognition that Southwestern Ontario has greater needs then other areas covered by FedDev.
Lavioe was shocked when he found out that FedDev, which was originally thought to be Southwestern program, turned out to be for Southern Ontario covering a larger area including Windsor, Ottawa, and the GTA.
He says FedDev should look at criteria for funding related to unemployment statistics or plant closures.
SWEA (South West Economic Alliance) is a multi-stakeholder organization representing the 15 county region in Ontarios southwest including Huron and Bruce counties.
Lavoie spoke at Huron County council on Friday morning.