MP Gordon O’Connor consults hardworking Canadians on the economy

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald and other prominent citizens of North Bay participated in a round-table discussion with MP Gordon O'Connor to devise strategies for economic recovery at Laurentian Cafe on Monday. Photo by Devin Size

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government continues to push the recovering Canadian economy using democratic measures. MP Gordon O’Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, sat today with representatives from the city of North Bay as well as Mayor Al McDonald to discuss issues that are preventing economic development.

The next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan was the main topic of discussion. The Conservative government has been steadily working to reduce business taxes, in an effort to create more jobs through business expansion.

“We’re going to continue to lower business taxes,” said MP O’Connor. “It started at 22%, and we’ve gotten it down to 15%. Come Hell or high water we’re going to make it the lowest tax in the industrial sector.”

Going around the table, several ideas and issues arose from suggestions coming from local parties. Canadore College and Nipissing University were subjects of close analysis during today’s meeting. The never ending battle of Collegiate trades VS. University Degrees progress as studies have shown that Northern Ontario lacks skilled trades’ workers.

“We don’t need more BA’s,” stated MP O’Connor. “We need more plumbers, brick layers, carpenters and mechanics. If you have someone come fix your appliances for examples, check the bill. There’s a lot of money to be made in the trades.”

The problem with apprenticeship programs discussed at the meeting is a lack of Journeymen. Their role is to undertake apprentices and guide as well as evaluate them. This lack of experienced trades’ people to accept new apprentices under their wing is causing students to go elsewhere to find work. Several factors related to these issues were brought up such as housing and the job market itself.

Many of the areas of concern are Provincial matters –such as health care and education- but the Federal Government still disperses funding to the Provinces of out this budget. Federal programs are in place to subsidise new businesses and international development, but the Constitution prevents direct involvement from the Federal government on most Provincial affairs. Immigration of skilled workers from foreign countries is very high, but the fact remains that most of them struggle to get licensing in Province.

“We’re one country, but we have 13 sets of rules which makes it very difficult,” revealed MP O’Connor.

A source of cheap, green, and efficient energy followed these discussions as the next area of focus for Canada. Burning oil and natural gas for heating causes too much pollution at a high cost to the consumer. Research efforts at Nipissing University are moving towards more environmentally friendly and cost effective methods of producing heating energy, such as burning wood. This was a topic driven by a few participants of the collaboration effort.

“There are powerful hydro-electric dams in QC, and also in NFLD,” explained MP O’Connor. “If we could get this dam thing connected, we have a consistent source of green energy.”

To sum up the discussion that took place at Laurentian Cafe on Ski Club rd. There are four focuses of the Canada Economic Action Plan to keep this economic recovery in good standing: Competitive tax rates, trained work forces, reliable cheap energy, and transportation.
Mayor McDonald quoted a wise man he once worked with.

“We need to invest as much as possible into our colleges and universities.”

He continued on to discuss issues with red tape in government procedures, which make it difficult for progressive partnerships to develop, as he worked with the Red Tape Commission in the past.

MP Gordon O’Connor is travelling across the country in an effort to get input from all Provinces on what matters are most crucial concerning the Federal budget. Announcements for the budget will be taking place in March after all discussions notes are revised.