Chair of Chamber of Commerce says No Panic Because of High Unemployment Rate

By Stew Kernan

A soft economy is nothing new for the city according to the Chair of the Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce.

Last week Stats Canada figures put our unemployment rate at 8.4-percent…it’s highest level since 2011.

Karen Hourtovenko says while the focus locally has been to diversify, the city economy remains resource driven., but the key is not to panic.

She says while the mining sector maybe down right now, it’s an opportunity for other areas to shine.

Hourtovenko says part of the recovery will fall on the shoulders of government to make investments in infrastructure, skills, technology and innovation.