(March 9 – 16:15 ET) — Responding to today’s jobs report, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, said the government will continue to focus on cutting taxes and red tape to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

“We know that economic prosperity cannot be taken for granted,” Flaherty said. “We know how important it is to have a job — for our families and our communities.”

Statistics Canada reported a drop of 37,700 jobs in the province in February, and the provincial unemployment rate rose to 6.1%, up from 5.7% in January.

“Despite Ontario’s record growth, we must continue to lower taxes and cut red tape to ensure we remain competitive in a changing global economy,” said Flaherty.

“That’s why we are always looking for new ways to promote economic growth throughout the province, to improve the efficiency of government and to reduce the size of government. These goals are key to ensuring the protection of existing jobs and creation of new jobs for Ontario families.”
-IE Staff