We learned that Mohawk College is the only provider that met all of the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities to obtain contracts to offer employment services. If I were cynical, I might consider that the conclusion was predetermined.

If I'm not mistaken Mohawk College would also be the only provider likely to go out on strike. Imagine that -the unemployed person looking for help with finding a job is then locked out from getting help because the provider is on strike!

Several years ago I was unemployed after working at one job for 15 years, and sought help from several agencies in the city. I found Mohawk College's program was long and drawn out. I was frustrated waiting for appointments to see a counsellor, to take a quiz or take yet another “get to know yourself” test.

Fortunately I found the Neighbour to Neighbour employment program. Their staff was down to earth and understood that I needed resume and job search skills and, above all I had children to support and that I needed to move quickly to find a job fast. I didn't need yet another personality quiz.

This decision is just wrong. Let’s hope the ministry does the right thing and reverses their decision to not offer funding to our valuable resource, Neighbour to Neighbour.

Mary E. Schofield, Hamilton Mountain