THUNDER BAY – New skilled-trade jobs can be created by partnering Confederation College’s committed educators with willing businesses, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak said today while at Confederation College.

“Strong knowledge infrastructure runs through Thunder Bay,” Hudak said. “But it’s not being utilized. The North’s unemployment rate is nearly 12 per cent – well above the provincial average. Northwestern Ontario alone has lost over 16,000 jobs since 2006.”

“On Dalton McGuinty’s watch we have a paradox of high unemployment and widespread skilled-labour shortages,” Hudak added.

Hudak went on to say that it does not have to be this way: “I have a plan to create 200,000 new skilled trade jobs. This includes reducing the ratio of journeymen to apprentices to one to one.”

“This means more electricians, ironworkers, carpenters, construction millwrights and sheet metal workers. The list goes on. So do the opportunities.”

“By partnering with Confederation and implementing this plan, the North’s construction, forestry, hydroelectricity, manufacturing and mining industries will have a wealth of human capital to draw on,” Hudak concluded.

“To do this, we need to get community colleges further involved with administering more apprenticeship opportunities.”

Examples of the new responsibilities colleges would administer under the Ontario PC apprenticeship reform plan include:

• helping to match aspiring apprentices with employers;
• reaching out to local businesses willing and capable to take on apprentices; and
• having community colleges coordinate apprenticeship agreements.

“As a former Minister of Northern Development and Mines, there’s nothing more I want than for our residents to achieve their professional dreams right here at home in Thunder Bay,” Hudak concluded.