London MP calls out Trudeau on jobs, manufacturing and vets

LONDON – NDP Member of Parliament, Irene Mathyssen (London – Fanshawe), has a few questions for the Prime Minister on jobs and the state of the Southern Ontario economy as he stops in London today as part of his Damage Control Tour.

“Prime Minister Trudeau finally realises that he must have meaningful conversations with all Canadians and the working Canadians who need the support and attention of their government, free of charge,” said Mathyssen. “But as his damage-control-tour stops in our city of London, Londoners have some serious questions for the Prime Minister on how he intends to revitalize the manufacturing sector and bring jobs back to London.”

Since the Liberals formed government, 12,700 jobs have been lost in London and another 3,500 manufacturing jobs have disappeared. In 2016 alone, the unemployment rate in London increased by nearly a full point. When asked what the most pressing issue for Southern Ontario was Trudeau replied, “Transitioning away from manufacturing-based employment as a driver in the economy.”

“We need an innovation agenda that provides good paying jobs, technological investments and the development of strategies that support sustainable, environmentally sensitive job creation,” added Mathyssen. “We have some very important opportunities in London and the region. Yet we are still waiting for promised infrastructure investments and a federal commitment for London’s rapid transit plan that would position London as a desirable place for future business investment while meeting our objectives for a cleaner, more vibrant economy.”

Yesterday during a damage-control-tour stop in Eastern Ontario, Trudeau refused to say when his government would restore the lifelong disability pension for injured veterans and stop fighting Veterans in court. Veterans in London and throughout Canada will be looking for answers and immediate commitments from the Prime Minister.