Elections Ontario: what you need to know about the Ontario Job Issues.
The 2014 Ontario Elections are fast approaching and the issue everyone is talking about is jobs. Almost one quarter of all Ontarians claim that where each candidate stands on the job issue will be their main deciding factor when they vote this June 12th. So if you are currently frustrated with your job search, know that you are one of 555,000 other Ontarians who are struggling to find work.
Alpha North Group is here to shed some light on the upcoming Ontario election issues and plans. Hopefully together we can all find a solution to the overwhelming lack of jobs in Canada.
So what are the Ontario economy and job issues?
Ontario government’s debt: As of September 30, 2013, the Ontario Government’s total debt is at $288.10 Billion. This is the highest Debt-to-GDP ratio in Ontario’s history, and the fastest-rising cost for the Ontario government.
Ontario’s Unemployment rate: In December 2013 Ontario’s unemployment rate was 7.9%, or over half a million people.
Ontario’s Youth Unemployment rate: In 2013, the unemployment rate for Ontario youth ages 15-24 fluctuated between 16% and 17.1%, making Ontario the worst province outside Atlantic Canada for high youth unemployment.
Ontario’s budget deficit: Since the 2008-2009 recession Ontario’s government revenues have fallen, resulting in a significant budget deficit, which in 2013-2014 was $11.3 billion.
Who are the candidates and what are they planning to do about the issues?
Ontario Liberal Party (Kathleen Wynne)
“Opportunity for all: A jobs and investment plan for Ontario”
www.ontarioliberal.ca
- Introducing the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan for the province’s workers.
- Continuing the 30% off tuition grant.
- Adding $38 million to the Youth Employment Fund in 2014-2015.
- Introducing the Ontario Immigration Act.
- Simplifying and streamlining the foreign credentials recognition program.
- Investing in Regional Development funds.
- Completing the implementation of Full-Day Kindergarten.
- Establishing a 10-year, $2.5-billion Jobs and Prosperity Fund.
- Implementing a 10-year, $130-billion infrastructure building plan.
Ontario progressive Conservative Party (Tim Hudak)
“Million Jobs Plan”
- Reducing the size and cost of government and introducing a public sector wage freeze.
- Eliminating the College of Trades and restrictions on skilled trades, getting more young people into skilled trade apprenticeships such as; plumbing, welding, electrical and construction jobs.
- Establishing a new east-west express line connecting Etobicoke to Scarborough, through Toronto’s downtown.
- Participating in a free trade agreement with British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- Lowering energy prices, ending subsidies for wind and solar power and reducing the number of provincial electricity agencies.
- Cutting regulations on business.
- Reducing personal income tax by 10%
- Developing the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario.
Ontario New Democrats Party (Andrea Horwath)
“Reward job creators and get Ontario moving again”
- Rewarding businesses that create jobs with a Job Creation Tax Credit.
- Cutting Small Business tax rate to 3%, to allow more businesses to become better job recruiters.
- Attracting manufacturing jobs by providing upgrade and expansion incentives.
- Bringing better public transit to cities and towns across Ontario.
- Prioritizing high impact transit projects.
- Committing to widen 60km of highways across Ontario every year.
- Creating jobs by investing in Ring of Fire infrastructure and promoting Revenue-sharing with First Nations.
- Investing in re-training programs for workers over the age of 55.
- Starting an emerging industries fund.
Voter Info:
The 41st Provincial General Election takes place on June 12, 2014 from 9:00am-9:00pm.
For more information on who is eligible to vote, how to vote and where to vote visit:
http://wemakevotingeasy.ca/en/home.aspx
See you at the polls!
Sincerely,
Alpha North Group.
Sources:
[i]Ipsos Reid for CTV News ( May 15,2014)
[ii] http://www.ofina.on.ca/pdf/bulletin_q2_2013_en.pdf
[iii] http://www.ofina.on.ca/borrowing_debt/borrowhistory.htm
[iv] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/ontarios-debt-burden-just-keeps-on-growing/article11689508/
[v] http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/140110/t140110a003-eng.htm
[vi] https://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/ontario-youth-joblessness-chronic-problem-report
[vii] http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2014/ch2e.html
