Industry committee  There's another language we need to teach, and it's called technical literacy. She talked about Shakespeare; we have to talk about report writing and other things.

Industry committee  I completed three apprenticeships in my career before I became a teacher, and I think the biggest struggle for me was the fact that I couldn't get any incentives. As an auto mechanic, I couldn't write off my tools. I couldn't do any of those things. Snap-On was nice enough to grant me a loan at 18%.

Industry committee  One of the earlier gentlemen said that we have to increase immigration and make it easier for people to come to Canada. I couldn't agree more with that gentleman, but there's a problem that happens with the second generation. The people who immigrate to Canada are skilled tradespeople.

Industry committee  I think one of the problems was addressed with Mr. Hattin here. He was talking about tax incentives and so on. When we approach industry, what industry is telling us is that they're paying taxes already and why should they give to our school on top of what they already pay in taxes.

Industry committee  I just want to add something to your question there. In Peel there are there are about a million people. I forget how many students there are in Peel, but there are 32 high schools in the Peel board. Out of 32 high schools, five teach manufacturing. Out of those five, I can guarantee you for sure that two consider manufacturing to be wood products--not metal, not plastics, not anything like that.