Public Sector Jobs Could Be at Risk – AMAPCEO

THUNDER BAY – The Progressive Conservative promise to trim 100,000 jobs from the public sector have generated grave concern from public sector unions across Ontario. The president of AMAPCEO, a union that represents public service professionals in Ontario, says the Conservatives’ promise to cut public sector jobs would mean significant layoffs in Thunder Bay.

Gary Gannage states that almost 150 AMAPCEO members work in Thunder Bay, and many will fall victim to Tim Hudak’s promise to eliminate 100,000 public sector jobs.

“That will not only mean the potential layoff of our members in Thunder Bay and other communities in Northwestern Ontario, but the sacking of other local broader public sector workers including teachers, and those providing personal support and community services, as well as municipal employees.”

“The Conservative leader does not realize these professional jobs are important for the health of the economy of Thunder Bay,” says Gannage. “These jobs give local people the chance to stay in their home communities and build professional careers, leaving their hard-earned income in local communities – instead of having to move to Toronto.”

AMAPCEO’s president says the Conservatives’ job cuts would not only hurt Thunder Bay residents, their community and their neighbours, but would also mean an overall reduction in the quality of public services. “It’s a mistake for politicians to target public sector employees to fight a deficit that was not of their making,” says Gannage. “Ontario already has the leanest public service in Canada, with the lowest level of public spending per capita in the country.”

“This is a crucial election for Ontario,” says Gannage. “We want voters to think carefully about the impact that the parties’ policies will have on their local community and to make the effort to get out and vote.”