SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Hon. Jill Dunlop

  • MPP
  • Member of Provincial Parliament
  • Simcoe North
  • Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
  • Ontario
  • Unit 9 575 West St. S Orillia, Ontario L3V 7N6
  • tel: 705-326-324
  • fax: 705-326-9579
  • Jill.Dunlop@pc.ola.org

  • Government Page
  • Feb/21/24 11:20:00 a.m.

Thank you to the member for that question. Quite frankly, we’re very disappointed with the federal government, who did no consultations whatsoever with the provinces. I ask you today: What have you done to stand up and advocate for more seats in this province?

I’ve heard from members all across my side and from ministries the impact this is going to have on our economy. At ROMA, I had an opportunity to meet with the tourism industry, who were saying that they’re going to be devastated without these students. It is going to be such an impact on the economy. That’s why, when we’re working with the federal government on the allocations, we will be looking at the labour market needs across regions in Ontario as a number one priority.

Also, ensuring that there is guaranteed housing for international students coming to our campus will be a priority, and ensuring the economic needs of each region is a concern as well.

This is going to be an impact across Ontario, and the federal government did absolutely no consultations with the provinces or with the sector.

I want to thank the blue-ribbon panel for their recommendations and for the hard work they’ve been doing. As I have said, we will be announcing our path forward shortly. But when we look at the impact that the federal government’s decision is going to have—the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade comes here every week with a new company wanting to come to Ontario. Why is that? Because of the skilled labour force that we have in this province.

I’ve talked to our colleges and universities about the impact it’s going to have. I was at Fanshawe College recently with the member from the area and we heard directly from them. Volkswagen came to the area because of the skilled labour market. Fanshawe is concerned about that. I’ve talked to Georgian College in my own neighbourhood, talking about the impact it’s going to have on hospitality and tourism in our region. This is going to be a huge impact and the fact that the federal government did this with absolutely zero consultation with the provinces and the post-secondary—

380 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border