Since the day I left, I wanted to move back
to Sudbury. I moved out West in my 20s for an education and a
career. I got both, attending the University of British
Columbia and beginning a career with Air Canada in
Communications and Public Relations.
The opportunity to come "home" came up. I've
travelled all over the world, but still consider Sudbury as the
best place to live.
I've been back for almost four years - with
lots of work experience, a university degree and a college
diploma (which I obtained here at Cambrian in my late teens).
The best "career" I could find here: an eight-week contract
with Statistics Canada for $11 per hour (and no
benefits).
Sure, I found other jobs (all at minimum wage
or slightly above). They were jobs that I was lucky to get
because I was generally "over-qualified,"
according to numerous potential
employers.
I think four years was long enough trying to
raise a young family on minimum wage.
So sadly, I'm becoming yet another statistic.
I've had to accept a job in a city I don't much care for
because the city I adore can't keep me. I wanted nothing more
than to spend my life here and watch my children grow up. I've
even applied to jobs at the city for which I was qualified -
and never even got an interview!
So, Go Wolves Go! I hope you do better in
retaining our youth than your predecessor who only managed to
attract some "great" $8 per hour jobs in the telecommunications
industry!
Thomas Duncan
Another sad statistic
Sudbury
Editor's Note: This letter was sent to Mayor David
Courtemanche on Oct. 7.