Too many Ontarians still out of work: NDP

Queen’s Park – Catherine Fife, Ontario NDP Finance Critic and MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo, responded to new job numbers released today by Statistics Canada. She said that despite modest improvements in some regions and sectors, the Liberal government still isn’t doing enough to help Ontarians find work, particularly in communities hard hit by manufacturing job losses.

“As parents get ready to send their kids back to school, they shouldn’t have to worry about finding good-paying jobs to support their families” said Fife.

Manufacturing job numbers continue to worsen, with an estimated 700 jobs lost in August alone. Across northern and southwestern Ontario, communities are struggling with some of the highest regional unemployment rates in the country. Windsor’s unemployment rate increased from 8.7% in July to a staggering 9% in August. And despite repeated assurances from the Liberal government, Ontario still isn’t moving fast enough to bring down youth unemployment rates. 

“That’s not good news for families who depend on the struggling manufacturing sector for their livelihoods. Ontarians deserve a plan that will protect and create good paying jobs in their communities, and provide real employment opportunities for young people across the province.”

Fife noted that even as Premier Wynne pushes ahead with her plan to sell-off 60% of Hydro One, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is warning that rising electricity prices will make it harder for businesses to grow and create good stable jobs.

“Higher hydro prices are exactly what our manufacturing sector doesn’t need right now. Ontario needs more manufacturing jobs, not less. Kathleen Wynne needs to look at the facts, listen to Ontarians, and reverse her wrong-headed decision to sell-off Hydro One,” said Fife.