Unemployment concern in Ontario

By Manvir Kaur

The unemployment rate is increasing in Ontario for part-time students.

In October, 69.9 per cent of part time students were employed with a slight drop in the next two months. The rate of employment in January and February slowed to 61.6 and 63.6 per cent.

Neharika Thaper, 23, is a student in the business program at St. Clair College. She has been working part-time at Dollarama for a year.

“I am getting only $1,100 a month after all the tax deductions,” said Thaper. “I spend $350 for rent including utilities and $60 for the phone bill and $66 for a bus pass.  I only work three days per week.”

“For students, it is pretty easy to find a part-time job,” said Thaper. “I think that especially for international students, part-time jobs help them financially and chance to know the people.

Vinoid Inala, 22, is enrolled in the electro-mechanic engineering technician course at St. Clair College.

“I think I spent three months trying to find a part-time job, but I did not get one yet,” said Inala. “I spend $650 per month because I am paying $280 for house rent and $200 for a phone bill and my groceries. I am managing by getting the money from my parents, who are living in the Southern part of India,” said Inala.

As the summer approaches, more students will be searching for jobs. In addition to job fairs and programs, they can also find information at Ontario.ca.