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News and Events
Ottawa Mayoral Candidate Jim Watson Wants to Follow Cornwall’s Lead
Ottawa Mayoral candidate Jim Watson unveiled the first part of his economic plan for the City of Ottawa on Monday, and he referenced modeling a new approach to economic development on Cornwall’s ability to work with all three levels of government and the private sector.
In a recent interview with CTV Ottawa, Mr. Watson had the following comments:
“I saw just a few weeks ago on CTV a great story about Team Cornwall,” said Mr. Watson. “Little old Cornwall is pulling together all three levels of government, working together with the private sector to attract business. We have to bring the same “Team Ottawa” approach to creating jobs and expanding job opportunities here in Ottawa.”
According to Team Cornwall Chair Gilles Latour, Mr. Watson is not the first to want to emulate the success of Team Cornwall’s business ambassadorial approach.
“We have been approached by a number of communities over the last several years, all looking to duplicate our model”, Mr. Latour says. “It takes a special blend of hometown pride with a commitment to excellence to engage the business community and get everybody working for the betterment of the entire City.”
Mayor Bob Kilger pointed out that Cornwall’s recent economic success has turned heads, not only in Ottawa, but in Toronto, Montreal and beyond.
“2009 was a record year in terms of building activity in Cornwall, with major commercial investments leading to the creation of over 500 new full-time jobs”, said Mayor Kilger. “The local economy has not slowed down in 2010 and Mr. Watson is correct to credit our growth to Cornwall’s collaborative approach to engaging all levels of government with the private sector. With everybody pulling in the same direction, great things can be accomplished.”
“Perhaps the only quibble I have with Jim’s comments is that while Cornwall may be one of Ontario’s oldest cities, I don’t think we can be characterized as “little” anymore,” Mayor Kilger quipped. “Our business community is making big strides and turning heads, and I’ll have to invite Jim down to see our success first-hand.”
External Link: Watson unveils economic plan for the City of Ottawa (CTV Ottawa)
Click on the "CTV Ottawa: Jim Watson unveils economic platform" link in the CTV News Video Player box.
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