Almost eight months after A.O. Smith announced it would put 350 people out of work by closing its doors in Fergus, Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott called on the Liberal government to act immediately by tabling what he says is a long-overdue plan for jobs.
Arnott said the water heater manufacturer was “our economic cornerstone in Fergus for over 100 years,” until it announced it would be ending manufacturing.
“These lost jobs are not a myth. They are real and they are going to the United States,” said Arnott.
Arnott added, “This was a devastating blow to our community, but we carry on, expecting the provincial government to do its part to establish a competitive economic climate and encourage the creation of new jobs.”
He said, “This fall, our caucus was prepared to work with the government to clear the backlog of legislation before the house. But we had one request – that the government bring forward a jobs plan. My question is simple: When will the government be tabling a jobs plan?”
Arnott states he has called on the Liberals to address the manufacturing crisis in Ontario since 2005. On Nov. 27, Arnott continued to call on the Liberals to provide some hope to families in Fergus and across Ontario.
“We have lost more than 300,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, 38,000 since the premier was sworn in last February. This number includes the 350 people who lost their jobs at A.O. Smith in Fergus. These job losses are more than just statistics. With the Christmas season soon to be upon us, we’re talking about thousands of families who worry about their future, with good reason. And they see a provincial government without a clue of what to do. If the government can’t come up with a jobs plan of their own, will they adopt ours?”
For video of the day’s question, visit http://bit.ly/I65VPj.
