Tuesday, May 19 – On May 8, Tony Clement, Minister of Industry Canada and Minister responsible for FedNor, hosted a round table with community workers to hear about how the economic downturn is affecting people on the front lines in Parry Sound. This is the second round table that Minister Clement has hosted in the riding.
“I am glad to be able to hear from community workers who see first hand the effects of this economic downturn,” said Minister Clement. “These people deserve a lot of recognition for the great work they do everyday. They also deserve all the help they can get. That is one reason why I held these meetings.”
Topics discussed included the Employment Insurance (EI) program, affordable housing, and mental health issues. Minister Clement committed to take up the ideas and issues that he heard from the community with his cabinet colleagues in Ottawa.
“I thought that Tony showed a great deal of compassion and interest in the riding and he was well informed about the issues,” said Donna Sedore, Executive Director for the North of the Parry Sound Employment Services. “He has a really does have a good handle the local concerns.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan put in place measures to increasing EI benefits for 5 additional weeks. Our government invested $1 billion for skills training through the Employment Insurance program to help people who have lost their jobs get the skill they need to find new jobs. We have also committed $0.5 B for skills re-training for people who don’t qualify for EI. Our plan is to create jobs, keep Canadians working, and provide the skills training for jobs of tomorrow.
“In Parry-Sound Muskoka, the needs of the community come first,” said Minister Clement. “I want to make sure that government programs are helping those who need it most, in the best way possible.”
Participants at the round table included representatives from:
Salvation Army
District Social Services
Housing and Community Services
Canadore College
Parry Sound Employment Services
Canada Mortgage and Housing
Community Mental Health
