While consulting with about 25 business owners Wednesday afternoon, Sudbury Conservative candidate Kevin Serviss learned the city's economy is being hindered by a lack of tradespeople.
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"There seems to be an encouragement for young people to get involved in computer science or programming, but not necessarily into millwrighting or mining technology or some of those other skilled areas that we need particularly in Sudbury," he said.
Some of the business owners think Sudbury's youth might stop leaving the city if they are trained to work in the mining industry, said Serviss. There needs to be more emphasis on skilled trades training at high schools, colleges and universities, he said.
The participants also talked about the need for tax cuts.
"The taxation system that affects businesses is not always adequate for them, and doesn't always give the proper incentives. In some cases taxes are too high for them to grow their business the way they'd like to," he said.
"As well, sometimes loan money is not available. There seems to be a frustration there with regards to the regulations and the availability of loans from financial institutions."
Serviss promised to take some of the business owners' concerns to Ottawa if elected as Sudbury's new MP Jan. 23. He believes his election campaign has been pretty successful so far.
"I think we're doing well. I like our progress, and I like the fact that we have a great team and great volunteer base, and that people seem to be catching the vision for change."
To contact Serviss, phone 521-1216.
