The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Ontario's sluggish and uneven economic recovery continues to be a top of mind concern in Wellington-Halton Hills. The reason for this concern is simple, even if the root causes are complex. Too many people are still out of work or underemployed, and others are fearful that their jobs are not secure. The Provincial government must do its part to support economic development and job creation, and help to restore faith in the future. Last October, even before I'd been sworn in for my sixth term in the Ontario Legislature, I called upon the government to bring forward a jobs plan. I reiterated a number of ideas that we in the Progressive Conservative caucus have been pushing for years. In turn, I convened a meeting of elected municipal councillors to seek their advice on local economic development issues, as well as other concerns. By way of follow-up, I invited the new Minister of Economic Development, Brad Duguid, to visit Wellington-Halton Hills, in a gesture of non-partisan cooperation. I believe we all need to work together on this most urgent priority. In particular, we need to support small businesses by addressing their tax and regulation issues where we can. Government can be an obstacle to private sector job creation, or instead it can choose to be a supporting partner. We need to do all that we can to encourage job growth in Ontario. On February 7, I participated in a full Government must create jobs Ted Arnott day of meetings at Queen's Park, joining the Members of the PC Caucus Jobs Task Force. It is our intention to continue reaching out and inviting constructive ideas to strengthen our economy. If you wish to offer any suggestions I would welcome them. Recognizing that many people who are out of work need job counselling, the Provincial government has supported an Employment Resource Centre in Acton, managed by Links2Care. But not anymore. A few days ago, I received word that the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities is set to close the Acton centre, while at the same time boasting about "improving employment services in Wellington-Halton Hills." What gall. I have written the minister to protest this decision, asking that he review his plan to eliminate local job counselling services in Acton, and reverse it. **** Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott can be reached at 1-800-265-2366. His website address is www.tedarnottmpp.com. --Ted Arnott is the MPP for Welllington-Halton Hills 5 ·The IFP· Halton Hills, Tuesday, February 14, 2012 905-877-6329 www.highway7ah.infovet.ca NORVAL BY NIGHT INVITES YOU TO OUR VALENTINE'S DINNER WEEK No plans for Valentine's Day? Don't panic! Bring your sweetheart to our ´EfGXe`Zµ We handle all insurance work. EXTENDED VALENTINE'S WEEK CELEBRATION Monday February 13 to Saturday February 18 5pm to 10pm Celebrate before, on the day or after - Just be sure to celebrate! For reservations please call 905 873 9080 Norval by Night The same location/owners of the Norval Pancake Factory 525 Guelph Street, Norval · Truck Accessories · Upholstery · Heavy Equipment Glass ·Window Tinting 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown 905-873-1655