A government program that has been criticized by opposition parties in the province’s legislature is getting verbal backing from the Quinte Economic Development Commission.
The Skills Development Fund has been under scrutiny lately, particularly when it comes to the findings of a recent Ontario auditor general report on the Skills Development Fund, which were said to not be “fair, transparent or accountable.”
Opposition parties have called on Labour Minister and Northumberland Peterborough-South MPP David Piccini to resign over this matter.
The SDF pays for the Elevate Plus program which provides training for those wanting to get back into the workforce.
QEDC CEO Chris King said the program is working well in our region.
“The Skills Development Fund has been a really good source of supporting our manufacturing sector, the workforce, in partnership with Loyalist College and QEDC, and it’s working really effectively,” he said.
“It supports workers in manufacturing and it supports Loyalist College too. They’re a delivery agent for the new hire training, the micro credentials, and they do allow the incumbent corporate training as well. That’s why we’re big fans of it. It’s making a difference in people’s lives, for new hires, it’s helping upgrade the workforce.”
King added they must apply for the funding every year and justify why they need the money.
Around 400 people have gotten back into the workforce through Elevate Plus’ history.
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The Memorial Marketplace is coming into shape in downtown Belleville.
The Quinte Economic Development Commission heard yesterday that pathways have been laid and all nine vendor spots have been leased in the former arena space.
Five businesses currently operate out of the space and another four will be ready to open by the middle of next year.
The businesses include a coffee shop, glass works, pottery, a seafood/butcher shop, a salon, women’s accessories outlet, a brewery, a roadhouse restaurant and an ethnic restaurant.
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Talks have been in progress regarding a redevelopment of the former Cascades/Domtar property in Trenton.
Quinte West Coun. Dave O’Neill told QEDC some local politicians have been talking with former Bay of Quinte MPP and Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development of Candu Energy Todd Smith about locating a small nuclear reactor on the property.
It was recently announced that four small modular reactors would be built at Darlington at an estimated cost of $21 billion as part of a new nuclear project.
The feds and province have combined to invest $3 million into this project, which can power up to 1.2 million homes.
(BROCK ORMOND)
