Whereas, some 700,000 Canadian skilled trades workers are expected to retire by 2028, the 29 recent Fleming College program cuts impact the local channel for training needed for skilled workers in the Peterborough region;
Whereas, such specific skilled trades are locally essential for Peterborough’s landscape, in the building sector to meet housing targets, to address ongoing infrastructure needs and to furnish future economic growth and economic development;
Whereas, higher domestic enrollment is apparent in skilled trades programs, with students tending to remain where they train and fewer students returning as workers and contributing ratepayers after training elsewhere;
THEREFORE, be it resolved…
That the City of Peterborough encourages both federal and provincial governments to increase support to college boards, by establishing metrics and direction around maintaining courses where cohorts offer a return on investment in the local economy, in small business and in filling jobs vital to a college’s immediate region.
That this resolution be forwarded to the provincial ministry of colleges and universities, provincial ministry of economic development, job creation and trade, provincial ministry of labour, immigration, training and skills development, provincial ministry of the environment, conservation and parks, provincial ministry of natural resources and forestry, and provincial ministry of agriculture, food and rural affairs, the federal minister of immigration, MP Michelle Ferreri, and MPP Dave Smith.