THE OUT-MIGRATION OF OUR YOUTH - OUR FUTURE, OUR CHALLENGE
Youth out-migration is nothing new. In fact it has been happening for a few years. At any given time, young people will want to leave home to explore, pursue higher education, move because of new job opportunities, etc. The problem that Thunder Bay and region is experiencing in this area is of a greater magnitude and has major implications for the future viability of our community.
To put it into perspective we need to look at the trend over time. In 1992-93 the net migration was -270 people, mostly in the 25-44-age category. By 1996-97 it was up to -879 with the majority still in the 25-44-age category. However, in that year something new started to take place. The people now leaving were also in the 18-24 and 45-64 age groups. In other words, across all age groups. This trend is not only continuing, but it is actually picking up speed with a net migration of –1155 in 1997-98. The net loss now even includes people over 65. (Source: Statistics Canada)
Unfortunately this is the hard reality. We were warned about this day by leading economists in the region as far as 10 years ago. The structural forces that shaped this region into a hot bed of wealth and job creation in the hay day of the 60-70’s and early 80’s, is now the major cause of our economic losses. Our leaders have been slow in realizing this and all the denial in the world will not change the facts.
Our over reliance on the natural resource industries is now hurting us. Even as new sawmills and pulp mills are being opened and more timber and fibre are being sold, the number of people employed in this industry is declining due to automation. The same is happening with manufacturing industries such as Bombardier. It does not matter as much if they operate at full capacity when this now means 300-400 less people than just 5 years ago.
New and much touted investments are mostly in new machinery and it will mean even fewer jobs. This is needed, since investments in new technology will ensure that plants will remain competitive in world market and protect the remaining jobs. However, let us not fool ourselves. Most of this new technology is purchased from outside the region, (if not the country) and besides the installation and some construction, it will not translate into direct, long lasting jobs in our City and region.
Besides the casino and call centers that have created some new jobs at lower than traditional manufacturing wages, the integration of two hospitals into one will not increase the number of health care workers in the region. However, if properly managed for growth, the new health care facility has the potential to retain and even attract more doctors and researchers.
In conclusion, to stop the loss of young educated professionals from our region and a further decline in our economy, new jobs and opportunities need to be created. This will require new and fresh ideas and a leadership that is not afraid to tackle change. Having a complete understanding of the issues and the courage to take some risks would also be a step in the right direction.
Frank Pullia is the Principal of Pullia Accounting & Consulting. He can be reached at 767-6579 or via e-mail at frank@frankpullia.com. Previous articles can be viewed at www.frankpullia.com