News of Bick's Pickles' impending closure is unfortunate for everyone in Haldimand. For the employees, families and farmers supplying Bick’s, it’s nothing short of tragedy. This closure should serve as a wake-up call for Haldimand. It highlights the need to attract and retain businesses in our community. Bick’s closure is a symptom of a larger problem facing Haldimand.
It is clear – now more than ever - that every effort must be made to ensure businesses stay in Haldimand. There is another community rejoicing because Bick's is moving to their community, providing jobs and contributing to their tax base.
The obvious conclusion of these recent events is that our new Council must be proactive, and have the business skills and experience to compete with other communities. We need councillors who know how to support existing business and attract new ones.
The challenges we face as a community are many: Family farms are under threat, jobs are moving elsewhere and youth are moving away to find new opportunity. But, together we can succeed and prosper. We have a well-trained work force, good transportation network, and solid infrastructure. Our community can prosper with well-paying jobs for today’s work force and our children. We can do this and still protect what is important to us: Our way of life and the natural beauty of this area.
On October 25, residents from across this county will make an important choice when they elect their new council. If we are to take anything from the loss of 150 full-time jobs at Bick’s, it is this: Councillors elected on October 25 must have the skills to attract and keep jobs here.
If you believe, as I do, that this is the change we need elect me to council for Ward 2. I am committed to work as part of your council’s team.
To contact Fred, go to http://www.electmorison.ca/ or call 905-772-1060 or email morison@electmorison.ca
Fred Morison, of Cayuga, is a Business person and active member of the community. Fred is running as Candidate for Haldimand, Ward 2.
