Ontario has garnered an award from being the most competitive province in a competitive nation from Site Selection magazine, according to a provincial news release.

This is the third consecutive year the province has claimed this particular award. Ontario's strong action on the deficit and its modernized business climate have helped the province gain a competitive advantage, creating 324,900 net new jobs from the recessionary low in June 2009, according to the news release.

Changes include a globally competitive tax system, a streamlined business environment and investments in education, health care, electricity, and infrastructure.

The Site Selection award is given to leading provinces based on the number of qualifying new facilities and expansions and per-capita projects, project capital investment, and project job creation.

“Ontario is proud to win this award for the third year in a row,” said Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid. “It demonstrates that Ontario is moving in the right direction, attracting more investment and creating jobs.”

Hamilton and Toronto were also recognized as one of the top-three leading cities in corporate property development in Canada. Hamilton attracted more industrial and commercial development than any other city in Canada over the past year, according Site Selection magazine. Ontario ranks third in North America for attracting foreign direct investment.

Site Selection’s fifth annual Canada's Best Locations awards and rankings are based on June 2011 – May 2012 project data.