MISSISSAUGA, ON—Bonnie Crombie, Leader of Ontario’s Liberals, is sounding the alarm over Ontario’s latest dismal job numbers, calling out Premier Doug Ford’s government for his failure to protect the province’s economy and workers.
New data reveals Ontario lost 6,000 jobs last month, while other provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec, collectively added 48,000 jobs. Key industries like manufacturing and construction, traditionally the backbone of Ontario’s economy, were hit particularly hard. Manufacturing alone saw 20,400 jobs vanish, and construction shed 1,500 jobs.
“Under Doug Ford’s watch, Ontario has gone from being an economic leader to falling behind the rest of the country,” Crombie said. “Ontario is losing jobs while other provinces are creating opportunities and growing their economies. This is what happens when you have a leader who spends all his time catering to his rich buddies, while ordinary people fall behind.”
Adding to the grim picture, Ontario’s unemployment rate has risen to 7.6%, the highest since the depths of the pandemic. Youth unemployment is even worse, sitting at a staggering 17%—the highest in Canada.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table,” Crombie said. “Our young people are being left behind, with no opportunities and no hope for the future. Ford’s government has no plan, no vision and no solutions to reverse this crisis.”
“I have a different plan, to deliver more for you. We’ll cut your taxes, get you a family doctor, build more homes, and make the strategic investments needed in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development to get our economy growing again,” added Crombie. “It’s time to put the people of Ontario back to work and restore our province’s reputation as the economic engine of Canada.”