Brampton Hires Former Ontario Director Of Controversial Mandate
Published August 2, 2019 at 9:32 pm
As Brampton works toward becoming an economic hotspot, the city has made Clare Barnett the new Director of Economic Development and Culture.
As Brampton works toward becoming an economic hotspot, the city has made Clare Barnett the new Director of Economic Development and Culture.
Barnett was previously the Open For Business Director and worked for the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth.
For those of you who are unaware, Open For Business is Doug Ford’s new mandate that aims to cut red tape and regulatory burdens for businesses.
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Barnett states that she wants to build a business retention and expansion program, attract foreign direct investment, grow entrepreneurship and ignite Brampton’s global brand.
“My focus is on building Brampton’s brand globally, to attract investment through a unique value proposition,” says Barnett. “That brand is organically rooted in our talent. Brampton offers businesses a young, growing and diverse workforce. Brampton is the second-fastest-growing city in Canada, it has the youngest population in the country, with 234 different cultures, speaking 115 languages.”
Barnett also aims to continue supporting the growth of local entrepreneurs.
“Equally important is building business retention and expansion plan to grow the businesses operating in Brampton. These two initiatives are not mutually exclusive. Our approach to both are guided by our mandate of inviting the world to invest and prosper in Brampton,” she explains.
Barnett states that she wants to focus on arts and culture to create more jobs, drive the economy and generate a strong cultural ecosystem that could help shape Brampton.
“Developing concentrations of creative industries and entrepreneurs provides a competitive edge for Brampton by elevating the community’s quality of life and improving the ability to attract businesses and economic activity,” states the city in their press release.
Barnett has worked for many businesses and the Ontario government in FDI attraction and economic development, Ontario’s representative in the UK and Vice President of Investment Growth. She established the Ontario Investment Office, which provides investors with a business concierge service.
“Clare’s leadership strengths, along with her passion for collaboration and leading complex initiatives, will add great value to Brampton’s economic development efforts,” says the city.
Barnett has already worked to engage the Brampton Board of Trade and the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst for the city.
“I’m looking forward to working with council to retain and expand local businesses and further Brampton’s position as a prime investment location for foreign businesses,” says Barnett.
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