QUEEN’S PARK—Today, NDP MPP Peggy Sattler demanded answers from the Premier about the Liberal government’s decision to cut the very successful Ontario Self Employment Benefits (OSEB) program.
“In my community, the OSEB program has launched hundreds of successful small businesses, creating jobs for many more Londoners and pumping millions into the local economy,” said Sattler. “The OSEB program filled a unique role by supporting people on EI to become successful entrepreneurs.”
Two weeks ago, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities suddenly and arbitrarily cancelled the OSEB program, a decision made with no warning, no notice, and no consultation with OSEB providers. The OSEB program directly helped almost 2,500 unemployed Ontarians across the province last year alone.
“Premier, how can your government justify cancelling a program that has helped hundreds of unemployed Londoners to smart small businesses and create jobs, and has been rigorously evaluated as successful?” asked Sattler.
The Premier deflected the question to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, who defended the decision to cut the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit program for people in receipt of EI.