The future of employment in Montreal: Whose job is it to create jobs?

Since the 2008 recession, words like unemployment, economic stimulus and job creation have dominated newspaper headlines and campaign speeches across the continent. Despite the proliferation of these terms, how many of us truly understand what they mean or the economic phenomenon they describe? How exactly are jobs created and why? Right here in Montreal, Statistics Canada reports an unemployment rate of 8.2%, consistently higher than both the provincial and national average. Young people are even harder hit, with their rate of joblessness coming in several percentage points above the average.

Who is responsible for reversing these trends: The government? Corporations? Us? This public conversation invites us to consider the future of employment in Montreal. What kind of job opportunities do we want in this city and which policies are needed to support their creation? Can we count on politicians and business leaders to steer us in the right direction, or is self-employment and entrepreneurship our best bet? Are individuals and communities able to take charge of the economy? 

Guests

After switching to a few majors, from engineering to mathematics and now marketing, Noor El Bawab just can't wrap her head around the idea of "get an education and you'll get a good job." Very aware of the current economic situation, she believes that inspiring students to have the option of starting a company should be a must in every educational/governmental system. She is currently involved with the Concordia Incubator, District3 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, and recently became a StartupWeekend Global Facilitator. 

Vincent Leger has 15 years of experience as a consultant in socioeconomic development in four different Canadian provinces.  He also has a background in the import/export field, with a regional focus on Japan and China.  Since 2010, Vincent has been involved in green job creation in Montreal, which has led him to develop an eco-urban camping initiative.

Moderator

Eryn Fitzgerald is thrilled to be returning to University of the Streets to moderate this conversation. Currently employed as Concordia’s Community Relations Coordinator, Eryn counts her lucky stars every day while worrying whether her friends and family will be able to find similarly awesome jobs in Montreal.  She is (actually) looking forward to talking economics and figuring out what we can do to create meaningful employment for everyone in this charming city.

When:           Monday, March 3, 2014, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where:         La Petite Cuillère (3603 St. Denis St.)