Jesus Was a Tradesperson

By Murray Strong Jesus was a tradesperson Compulsory Certification is the answer! Canada needs construction workers or the economy stalls. Thousands are retiring from the trades, is a common cry from developers and the media. That is a true fact. Construction giants like Ellis Don or PCL want professionals building those billion dollar projects but the good times are over in construction .These men and women in various skilled trades are walking away into a deserved retirement with all that knowledge. The unions have been trying to warn government for years of this coming disaster. I know Premier Ford is concerned and many other government officials are reading this in the Oshawa Central Newspaper so we have their attention. God is also watching this story to see how we treat his Son . Remember Jesus and his father Joseph where proud to be known in their community as craftsmen. Jesus mother , Mary ,was proud of her son working with his hands . My personal dream would see the world UN convene and declare Jesus and his father Joseph be recognized as Certified Tradesmen. God said to Joseph , I need your son , the apprentice , to help me save the world. His apprenticeship is on hold. Carpenters build the frame all other trades add their equipment to our work. A simple tiny sentence in a tiny file in the Ministry of Labor needs a review . Give carpenters a reason to have pride in their trade . Open the carpenters apprenticeship to Compulsory Certification and inform all construction companies we need quick movement . Employ these young people wanting the job security of a red seal ticket. REOPEN the tec classes in high schools . Those old shop classrooms now sit in dust guarding old worn out furniture. Premier Ford , I would like to address you as Doug in all future rants . TDSB ( Toronto District School Board) has buildings with empty space to set up classrooms . Doug , you know some schools in Toronto have less students , some may have to be closed because the families moved away and seniors bought the homes . What fun would it be as a politician to announce to the community we are closing your school and will bus your children. Day one- angry calls from every voter in the surrounding 10 square miles . Day 2- lawyers. Day 3 - angry protests at your office. Day 4 – the Media hoard asking why? Doug tell those angry residents with children the funding will spread the building costs of operating the school to the skilled trades and the school board. Inform the media your Minister is onboard . The startup money to help the unions and the TDSB , to accelerate this training is waiting in a bank account. Tell them you have asked the construction industry to match the money in your decision. Tell the furious property owners and local businesses you’re going to save their local school by leasing empty space for apprenticeship training and spend their tax dollars in their school. Pour the money into any Ontario school board ready to help. Hire trades as teachers .That’s all you need. Just like Local 27. Remind all developers, it is not Doug Ford or the taxpayers that needs 500000 workers so pay your share. Out of breath. Ending this rant. Thank you. Denny Crane.