Government has no shortage of ideas of reducing unemployment, but unfortunately not many have long term effects.

From a Canadian perspective, I can say I'm glad the 'make work' projects of the 1980's are gone. What are they replaced with? Well there are numerous short term work schemes you can make use of if you are receiving Employment Benefits. Unemployment can be increased while people receive on-the-job training. The same opportunities exist for people to receive a training allowance, if in receipt of Social Assistance.

What is the main problem for Canadian unemployment? Well its not, as people believe, lack of education. There are many highly skilled and highly educated unemployed Canadians. The answer is also not moving to a city from a rural area.

What do we need to do to increase employment? I think it begins with educating employers. Teaching employers that their employees can effectively telecommute, that due to all the technology we now have virtual assisting is feasible for most businessess. Perhaps its simply a case of changing employers mindsets. There are Community College courses on Virtual Assisting, Canadians all over the web offering all kinds of skills, if only we can get employers to jump on the band wagon!

Learn more about this author, Melissa Glenn.
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