MPP Arthur announces NDP plan for jobs, financial security
MPP Ian Arthur addressed the media on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 to announce an NDP plan for jobs and financial security.
Behind at City Hall in downtown Kingston, Arthur discussed ‘Save Main Street: A Plan for Jobs and Financial Support for Working People,’ which was released by the NDP the same day.
“In March before the pandemic, the tourism and hospitality industry accounted for over 400,000 jobs in our province, most of which are Main Street, made-in-Ontario businesses. This sector has lost 200,000 jobs due to COVID. 42 per cent of businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry have said they expect to lay off more staff in the coming weeks,” Arthur said in a statement.
“This will be especially felt here in Kingston and the Islands, where we heavily depend on this industry as a source of employment. In March, there were over 7,000 accommodation and food sector jobs in the riding,” he continued. “The prospects for the last quarter of this year and first quarter of next are dire. In response, the NDP has updated and expanded our Save Main Street plan to fit changing conditions for small businesses and workers.”
The ‘Save Main Street’ plan aims to help people and small businesses “weather the second wave of economic challenges,” helping to “ensure working people are positioned to drive Ontario’s economic recovery and bounce back healthier and more prosperous than ever,” according to the provincial NDP.
The plan contains five key points that help to outline its intent:
- Keep workers on the payroll
- Keep workers safe
- Built the she-covery
- Stop insurance gouging
- Keep restaurant jobs afloat
“This plan will provide financial security for working people. It will keep workers safe and on the payroll. It accounts for the disproportionate way women have been affected by the pandemic, stops insurance gouging, and protects restaurant jobs. We will continue to press the Premier to step up and provide the meaningful support small and medium-sized businesses in Kingston and across Ontario so badly need.”
For more information on the NDP’s ‘Save Main Street: A Plan for Jobs and Financial Support for Working People,’ click here.