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Economic Growth, Local Jobs

Local governments can support businesses, attract investment, and create conditions for job creation and economic development.

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Providing opportunities, matched with appropriate supports can make a world of difference for people trying to better their lives, she said.
Knowing full well the challenges in launching and growing a small business, Ward said she’d like to see more investment opportunities, training and support for entrepreneurs.

Cindy Ward

Cindy Ward

Candidate for Kitchener
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Stagnant Job Creation: Create a Kitchener Industrial Innovation Zone with tax incentives for advanced manufacturing, robotics, clean tech, and food processing; Fast‑track permits for companies committing to local hiring; Launch a City‑backed Talent Pipeline Program with Conestoga College for skilled trades, automation, and AI‑related manufacturing.
Slow Business Permitting:

  • 30‑day guaranteed permit turnaround for small businesses.
  • “Permit concierge” service for industrial/commercial projects.
  • Publish real‑time permit backlog dashboards for transparency.

    • Lack of a Post-Tech economic vision:

  • Attract mid‑sized companies (200–800 employees) in these sectors.
  • Build a City Innovation Park on underused industrial land.
  • Offer tax credits for companies that hire locally and train workers.
    • Manikantan Nair

    Manikantan Nair

    Candidate for Kitchener