These are turbulent times and the federal government has plans in place to bring stability to the Canadian economy and to
its workers.
That was the main message delivered Wednesday by the Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte riding at a breakfast meeting of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Malette outlined several facets of the Liberal’s Canada Strong Plan meant to deal with the chaos caused by the mercurial American President Donald Trump and his tariffs on Canadian products:
– a reskilling package to train 50,000 workers, costing $450 million over three years
-$50 million to modernize Canada’s online job search tools and national online training platforms
-$382 million over five years for an Workforce Alliances and Innovation Fund
alliances in key sectors such as auto parts and steel will tackle urgent labour market challenges, including recruiting
and training workers
-a $1.6 billion investment extending Employment Insurance benefits for long-tenured workers without a job
-$5 billion for a Strategic Response Fund to help companies under pressure retool, innovate and expand into new markets
-a Buy Canadian policy
-an expanded loan program to businesses under pressure from the Business Development Bank of Canada
-easing up on electric vehicle quotas planned for next year and considering further breaks for the beleaguered automotive sector after that
-major investments in national defence, including at 8 Wing Trenton and in several major projects of national interest
Malette stressed that the Strong Canada plan will take time to roll out and time to take effect.
“There are plans coming together in a cohesive meaningful fashion on housing, infrastructure, and environmental fronts that are measurably encouraging. These serious developments just don’t happen with the snap of a finger or the wave of a bureaucratic wand.”
Meanwhile, Malette took aim at Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre saying all he was doing was shouting, smearing people and saying no to everything.
“That’s not leadership. That’s performative theatre for social media clips and clicks.”
The Chamber of Commerce breakfast was held at Sans Souci in the Downtown District.
