Two government budgets — federal Thursday and a provincial budget expected in the next several weeks – have the Timmins Chamber of Commerce calling for certain attention to a few matters.
President Rob Knox says a boost is needed to immigration and training programs. He notes that Ontario’s labour and skills minister was recently in town, talking about training and apprenticeships.
“And I don’t think it’s any surprise to anybody in Timmins, especially any employer, that skilled trade are a problem,” Knox remarks, “and having the right number or adequate number of people in these programs to fill these key jobs in Timmins in particular is critical.”
Also on his list is for priority to be put on federal procurement policy pertaining to the North. With all the talk of electric cars, he says the region can support their development.
“Otherwise getting the federal government’s attention that Northern Ontario is specific and a key player and integral into the whole automotive industry vis-à-vis our production of base minerals and so on.”
In addition, Knox wants accessible childcare to be recognized as a component of a productive labour force.
