York Region sinks $1 million into agency to attract foreign investment

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 14, 2017
By Lisa Queen

York Region will spend almost $1 million over three years on a new agency that will leverage the strengths of the Greater Toronto Area to attract foreign investment, regional Chair Wayne Emmerson said.

York, the federal and provincial governments, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and the regions of Halton and Durham, have come together to support Toronto Global with significant funding, he said after the Feb. 3 official launch of the agency in Toronto.

York has committed up to $330,000 annually for the next three years to support the initiative.

“The partners all believe that by working together they can position the Toronto region as the best destination in the world to do business,” Emmerson said, adding the not-for-profit corporation will market the GTA’s diversity of services, broad range of industries, innovative workforce and stable economy.

“As the second largest business centre in Ontario with several important sectors like the information and communications technology sector, we believe we are well positioned to attract more businesses to the (GTA). This Toronto Global initiative will help showcase York Region to the world and make an impact with key business decision-makers worldwide.”

Still in its early days, Toronto Global is assembling its board of directors and identifying areas to target immediately, Emmerson said.