Martin's economic message falls flat in Cornwall
Last Updated: Friday, December 2, 2005 | 9:29 AM ET
CBC News
Martin's team had planned to appear before an enthusiastic crowd of high school students and highlight the economy's promise of a bright future for them.
"There is enormous opportunity. There are all kinds of jobs," Martin told the students while campaigning for the Jan. 23 federal election.
"My understanding is that Cornwall in the last 10 years, the region, has gone from an unemployment rate of close to 19 [per cent] down to an unemployment rate of 6.7 [per cent] ... that's a phenomenal record. It's something you should be proud of."
But that message was more defensive than optimistic because on Wednesday, Domtar announced it is closing its pulp and paper mill in the eastern Ontario community, putting 910 people out of work.
Martin arrived in Cornwall early on Thursday so he could meet with Mayor Phil Poirier. His team also gathered up some Domtar workers who were outside the school to protest.
"We showed up here, and we were scooped up and brought in to sit with him," said Todd Villeneuve.
Villeneuve said listening to the prime minister promise money to help the community adjust took the edge off his anger. But he doesn't buy Martin's message that there's an abundance of high-paying jobs out there.
"I've worked in that mill for nearly 20 years. That's all I know," Villeneuve said. "It's not like tomorrow I can pick up a pair of wire cutters and call myself an electrician. That's not the way real life works."
