February 16th, 2017

NDP: Opportunities for Sault Ste. Marie youth a priority

Young people in the Soo deserve meaningful job opportunities in their own community, says Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.  Horwath, NDP candidate and City Councillor Joe Krmpotich, and Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha spent the day in Sault Ste. Marie Friday, talking with the community about creating well-paying jobs on which Soo residents can raise a family.

“Parents and grandparents don’t want to see another generation of young people moving away from the north because they can’t build their career in their own community,” said Horwath.

Horwath, Krmpotich and Mantha spent time Friday with Sault Ste. Marie families, businesses and representatives of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre discussing jobs and training – including the NDP’s Bill 64, which will massively expand paid work-integrated learning opportunities.

“This is an issue that affects people in the north in particular,” said Mantha.  “In the Algoma region between 2007 and 2012, nearly 1,200 people between the ages of 18 and 25 left home.  That’s a big loss to the community, and to many families.”

“PC Leader Patrick Brown supported Stephen Harper’s cut to the Federal Youth Employment Program while the Liberals took harmful steps like cancelling the Ontario Ranger Program. The NDP’s work-integrated learning plan is a concrete step to help Soo youth get the training they need to build their careers and their lives here,” Mantha finished.

Krmpotich said the time for action in the Soo is now.

“I’ve lived in Sault Ste. Marie all my life.  I raised my kids here.  I love this community, and I know we can’t keep heading in the wrong direction,” he said. “People know I'm a fighter for the Soo and I want to take that fight to the province to ensure our community and our families have long-term prosperity.”