Ouellette Questions Minister on Job Training for Displaced Workers

QUEEN’S PARK – Jerry Ouellette, MPP Oshawa and Opposition Critic for Northern Development & Mines, again questioned the McGuinty government on its broken pledge to northerners.

“This government has sat idly by while job losses have mounted and mills have closed, threatening the very lifeblood of northern communities, “says Ouellette.

Over the past two years, shutdowns, closures, lay-offs, and job losses within the forest industry have devastated communities in northern Ontario.

With the government’s admission that yesterday’s discouraging softwood lumber announcement would result in fewer jobs in the forestry sector and cause even more hardship for northern Ontario, Ouellette questioned the Minister of Northern Development and Mines over the government’s inaction in assisting displaced forestry workers.

“I am extremely disappointed the McGuinty government has ignored this problem and its commitment to improve the quality of life for northerners, “added Ouellette.