Growing urban communities, such as Barrie, are "well situated" to prosper in the coming decades.

So says federal minister for industry David Emerson, who paid a visit on Wednesday afternoon to meet Liberal candidates from across the region and to field questions from a select group of local business people.

"We (the Liberal government) have to focus on the business agenda in coming years," Emerson said. "We will continue our agenda of corporate tax deductions and regulatory and trade initiatives. We will continue to expand broadband technology to small and medium-sized businesses. We do under-invest (in infrastructure) in Canada. We need to do more.

"We are going into a multiple-decade where communities like Barrie will have great opportunities because of transportation and communication links. The big catalyst for growth is skilled, trained people who will go to communities that are livable - like Barrie."

Emerson spoke on the need for a diversified national economy, one not so reliant on "the oil patch. It's important to put in tax structures to enable our manufacturing, natural resource and service sectors to be globally competitive." The former forest company executive added, "it's fair to say we must deal with 'NAFTA irritants' in conjunction with economic diversification. We've got a lot more to do to get the initiatives in place to ensure the good economic conditions we have now."

When asked about the suitability of locating an ethanol-producing plant next to a 400-series highway close to built-up residential areas, Emerson replied, "I won't comment on where in the region is appropriate. I'm very supportive of ethanol becoming a more prolific source of fuel. We're very keen to see fuels like ethanol developed. That's an area of the future."

He did concede, "there's a variety of safety and odour issues," connected with ethanol production.

Developer Steve Sperling of Aerarium Corp., asked Emerson about how the federal government could help Canadian manufacturers who are now coping with a higher Canadian dollar which is negatively impacting on exports, coupled with higher energy costs. "His answer was the Liberals would provide more incentives for energy conservation and efficiencies, rather than tax relief."