Week of December 17, 2018
KENORA – I’ll admit: Christmas is my favourite time of year. Now that Parliament has recessed, I’ll be spending Christmas with my family in Kenora, and then, in January, I will be travelling the riding to meet with Northerners on issues that matter most to you. This is truly the time to cherish and spend time with those we consider near and dear. It is also a time for reflection and to look back on the accomplishments of the last year, as well as plan for the New Year ahead.
One of our proudest accomplishments this year occurred just last month. Statistics Canada announced that November was a record month for job growth. 90,000 full-time jobs were created across Canada last month, with almost all of the job creation occurring within the private sector. In Ontario alone, over 20,200 jobs were created. Our country’s unemployment rate is down to 5.6%, which is the lowest unemployment rate in over 40 years.
I am also pleased that we have a new North American trade agreement. Since day one of the negotiations, our objective was to get a good deal for Canadians in order to ensure that we maintain a stable trading relationship with our biggest partner while looking to diversify and expand into new markets. This agreement, although not perfect, will safeguard more than $2-billion a day in cross-border trade and tariff-free access for more than 70 per cent of Canadian exports. We also know that we need to eliminate the unfair, unjust steel and aluminum tariffs. This remains one of our main priorities, and we will continue to have the backs of our workers and their families.
Looking forward, we’ve now begun the Canada Summer Jobs application process, for 2019. The program is about giving young people in the North high-quality opportunities and the experiences they need to succeed in the job market. The program also helps employers by filling in employment gaps, especially throughout busy periods in the summer.
This year, the program will be more accessible to youth and the application process will be even easier for employers. The program will offer jobs to all young Canadians – not just students. For the first time, jobs will also be posted on JobBank.ca, so youth in Northwestern Ontario can more easily find and apply for jobs near them.
As we hang our stockings with care, I would like to extend warmest wishes from my family to yours. We know that Northwestern Ontario is a fabulous place to spend the holidays, and I look forward to making many stops during my travels in January. For now; Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Bob Nault MP
Kenora
