When we talk about economic growth, we often hear about the number of jobs being created. That matters. But the quality of those jobs matters just as much.
A job should help someone support themselves and their family. It should offer fair pay, safe working conditions, and a real chance to build a future. Too many people are working hard in jobs that don’t offer enough hours, stability, or room to grow.
Whitby needs more good local jobs – not just more job numbers in a press release.
What I’ll do as your Local Councillor
If I’m elected, I’ll push for Town decisions that help responsible employers come to Whitby, stay here, and create stable jobs for local people.
I’ve spent 16 years founding and running a successful software company right here in Whitby. I know that local employers need clear rules, timely answers, and a Town Hall that helps them solve problems instead of creating more red tape.
I’ll support protecting land for business and industry, making Town permits and planning processes easier to understand, and looking beyond the lowest price when the Town awards contracts.
Where the rules allow it, I’ll support contracts that value worker safety, training, apprenticeships, fair treatment, and quality work.
I’ll also meet with local businesses, unions, schools, colleges, and training groups to hear what’s working, what isn’t, and where Whitby can better connect residents to good local careers.
What Town Council can do
Council can’t tell every private employer how to run their business. But it can help create the right conditions for responsible employers to come to Whitby, stay here, and grow here.
That starts with protecting land for businesses and industry. As Whitby grows, we need room for employers that create steady, long-term work in areas such as skilled trades, manufacturing, technology, health care, and clean energy.
It also means making Town processes clear and timely. Businesses should be able to understand permits, planning rules, and next steps without getting stuck in unnecessary delays or confusion.
Value is more than the lowest price
When the Town buys goods or services, the lowest price isn’t always the best value.
Where the law and procurement rules allow it, Council should consider whether a contractor has a good record on worker safety, training, apprenticeships, fair treatment, and delivering quality work. A low bid isn’t a real bargain if it leads to poor work, unsafe conditions, or workers being treated badly.
Town workers and the contractors who work for the Town help deliver services residents depend on. They deserve respect.
Working together
Good local jobs don’t happen by accident. Council should work with local businesses, unions, schools, colleges, training groups, and Durham Region to understand what employers need and help people prepare for careers that are available here.
That can mean more apprenticeships, better links between training and local employers, and more chances for young people and workers changing careers to build skills that lead to steady work.
Why this matters to every resident
More good local jobs help families. They can also help Whitby build a stronger commercial and industrial tax base.
That matters because homeowners shouldn’t carry too much of the cost of running a growing town. A healthy mix of residential, commercial, and industrial growth helps support services while reducing pressure on property taxes.
I believe Whitby’s growth should benefit the people who live and work here. That means supporting responsible businesses, fair work, training, and real opportunities for residents to build a good life.