QUEEN'S PARK – Official Opposition Critics for Labour, Jamie West (Sudbury) and Economic Development and Job Creation, Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), are sounding the alarm on this government's failure to create jobs in Ontario following an absurd amount of job losses.
"Every day, we see new labour disputes due to the increased cost of living," added Kernaghan. "The Premier has done nothing to make life more affordable for Ontarians. Now, we find out that in a single month, 9,000 jobs have been lost in three of the province's most important sectors. Clearly, this government doesn't care about workers - they prioritize their wealthiest friends while the rest of Ontarians fight to stay afloat."
Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey August revealed that Ontario lost 9,000 jobs. This included significant losses in critical sectors, such as educational services (35,600 jobs lost), manufacturing (13,600 jobs lost), and building and other support services (11,200 jobs lost). The Peel District School Board recently announced that it is being forced to lay off nearly 500 educational assistants.
"Ontarians have been paying the price far too long," said West. "This government's policies are forcing Ontarians into unemployment and driving professionals out of their professions, with many leaving the province. Ontarians need good jobs that pay the bills. It's time for the Premier to build an economy that works for everyone, not just a select few developers and insider friends."
"The provincial government better get creative fast before they make a bad problem even worse," said Kernaghan. "We need real investment in job creation and support for our critical job sectors, and we need it now."