Are There .'Opportunities' in Bruce-Grey?

Bayshore News reports that a new study from the Four County Labour Market Planning Board reveals that Grey county has lost about 200 businesses in the last year whilst Bruce county has gained about 260 but that “the biggest driver of jobs in the local economy is self-employment”.

That the job market is basically stagnant in Grey-Bruce and that more and more folks are turning to self employment should hardly be a surprise to those looking for employment. A quick look at the job listings on Kijiji or the Job Bank will show that there are very few decent jobs available in this area and that many of those that are available are part time, temporary or 'agency' jobs. Its no wonder that folks turn to self employment to bring in a few dollars to the family table.
They also say that 'one key going forward is finding ways to keep people in the area, including young people who tend not to see opportunities in the four counties'. Also that 'another key to future job growth is getting high speed broadband internet into the rural areas, something Grey County has been pushing for over the last few years'.

Looking at those job listings we see very little encouragement for youth to remain in our area and not much more for those older folks who were laid off during the 'recession' and are still looking for full time work. If the economy is recovering I see little evidence of it in Grey-Bruce, and whilst better internet connections in the area may entice a few companies to set up here in rural SW Ontario I would not hold your breath waiting for a sudden influx of employment.
So no surprises here, the big question is how do we reverse the trend of jobs and youth heading to the big cities leaving the future of rural Ontario in limbo. Whilst I have great concern in that area I have no answers, I do hope the Four County Labour Market Planning Board or others have some!