Cornwall Ontario – MPP Jim McDonell is troubled by the most recent job statistics for Ontario, which show 39,000 lost jobs for the month of December.
“The New Year should be a time of celebration, however 39,000 families had to confront the reality of Ontario’s lack of jobs” – said MPP Jim McDonell. “The Wynne Liberal government would like to downplay the latest employment numbers, but they are part of a longer term trend that highlights this government’s failed policies. This marks the 84th consecutive month where Ontario’s unemployment rate has exceeded the national average. Ontario has lost over 300,000 manufacturing jobs over the past 10 years. For the province that led economic growth in the Confederation, and can do so again, it is truly an unacceptable situation”.
In 2013, several companies such as Heinz, Kellogg’s and Novartis closed their Ontario operations, identifying high energy costs and over-regulation as a factor. “The Liberals have known about the need to tackle Ontario’s uncompetitive business environment for years” – MPP McDonell continued. “Instead, they double down on failed policies that have made operating a business in Ontario unaffordable. The NDP are propping up a job-killing Government, while portraying themselves as advocates of working Ontarians. Nothing could be further from the truth”
The Ontario PC Caucus’ White Papers outline several policies designed to kick-start growth in Ontario. “We have a plan and are ready to put it in motion” – MPP McDonell concluded. “Tough decisions need to be made to reverse the mess this government has made of our finances. Ontarians have a clear choice – more Liberal failures or an accountable, PC Government focused on making Ontario the best place to call home and the economic engine of Canada”.