The Association des gens d’affaires d’Ormstown et des environs (AGAO+) welcomed Quebec Labour minister Jean Boulet to a networking activity on August 28 at the Ormstown Golf Club.
The minister, who arrived with his parliamentary assistant, Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, addressed a crowd of around 80 people, and discussed hot topics such as labour shortages, the need for more training for employees, and the psychological health of workers.
Boulet also spoke of Bill 19, a new law that restricts the number of hours that teenagers aged 14-16 may work during the school year. The law, which came into force on September 1, sets the legal working age at 14, and limits work hours to 17 hours per week, including ten hours from Monday to Friday.
Boulet admitted the labour shortage has been difficult for employers, “but the solution does not lie in child labour.” He explained the law would reduce the number of workplace accidents experienced by youth while encouraging young people to stay in school.
The meeting was attended by Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille as well as representatives from area businesses and several local mayors.
AGAO+ president Philippe Besombes opened the evening with a quick word highlighting the association’s development since its creation in November 2022.
“The growing number of memberships shows that we are meeting a real need,” said Besombes, pointing out the AGAO+ now boasts 56 members and has a very active presence on social media. The association also recently surveyed its members and will be working to respond to their needs, particularly in terms of context-specific training, come 2024.