The latest research shows that the brain has 60 billion nerve ending brain cells. It has been called the largest area of unemployment in the world. Mind you, it does not have to remain in that condition. “Thinking or using your brain is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it” Henry Ford.

Well, the brain may be called the largest area of unemployment but how does that compare to the unemployment rate in the five counties? Well the official rate of unemployment in our area is 7% and that is lower than last year at this time when the official rate was 7.9%, according to Jim McLennan, Labour Market Information Analyst with Human Resources & Skills Development Canada.

I know! That does not help the 7% who are unemployed and hoping to find meaningful employment that pays a decent wage soon. There is seldom a positive with the loss of jobs that pay well. That being said, it is human nature to want to improve our lot in life, no matter what. Now, the challenge is to move in the right direction because “All positions in life are temporary. Wherever you are is fine. Only your direction is critical” William E. Bailey.

April is a month of renewal and the beginning of a long period of growth. It is also time for the Ultimate Skills Challenge (April 28), now an annual event with the grade 7 & 8 students of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. Twenty schools have taken up the challenge this year so if you get the opportunity, drop in to encourage your child or the school of your choice. The event is co-sponsored by the Eastern Ontario Training Board. Hats off to Dan Lortie, Mitch Baker and Jennifer VanDe Kamp amongst others for the good work they do with our kids.

April 28 is the designated Day of Mourning for Injured Workers in Ontario. It is an occasion to remember all of the workers who have lost their lives on work sites over the years as well as all of the workers who have suffered injuries as a result of workplace accidents.

Please take a few moments to remember them and join us at Galaxy Theatre from 7-9AM to hear a very special guest speaker Rob Ellis, a father who lost his son to a workplace accident. Linda Halliday of Ontario Power Generation organized the event in partnership with the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce & the Eastern Ontario Training Board.

On May 7th, St Lawrence College will be hosting GET SET, a full day of hands-on experience and information for students in grade 11 & 12 who may have an interest in pursuing careers in the sciences, engineering and technology. The cool part will obviously be forensic science workshops that may even be similar to TV shows like CSI.

We want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank Bell Canada who are not only a key sponsor but are also contributing the keynote speaker as well as technicians with great skills and sense of humor for the workshops. Kim Haliburton and her Team always go the extra mile for our workforce of the future and we really appreciate them. Now that is what Passport to Prosperity is all about, another employer investing in our kids.