The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC), with support from the Government of Ontario, is forming two new committees that will collaborate to address the impact of the economic downturn within the community. Gisèle Chrétien has been selected as Chair of both the Community Adjustment Committee and the Greater Sudbury Employment Linkage Initiative, with John Caruso to sit as Vice-Chair.

"The McGuinty government is working exceptionally hard within our community to secure opportunities for future growth and to assist those affected by current global economic challenges," said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci. "Both Gisele and John bring a wealth of experience to the table, and we are confident they will work effectively on behalf of local laid off workers."

'The negative shift in the global economy has presented a number of challenges for our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez. 'With the support and guidance of these individuals, our community will work together to address these challenges and move forward to create new economic opportunities for our City and residents.”

The Community Adjustment Committee will identify actions to be taken to help mitigate the economic impacts of the current slump in commodity markets and the corresponding job losses experienced within the community. The committee will include representatives of various sectors within the community, such as mining, health services, construction and retail.

The purpose of the Employment Linkage Committee is to coordinate and establish local service paths that respond to workers affected by the downturn. This will be accomplished by providing an equal level of service at all Employment Ontario agencies in the community, as well as facilitating access to the human services and supports required to meet the needs of these workers. Committee structure will include representatives of various sectors, including employers, education, business and unions.

'We are very fortunate to have these two exemplary individuals commit their time and expertise to oversee the formation of these committees,” said GSDC Chair Guy Labine. 'I am confident that through their guidance and direction, the goals and objectives that have been set in place will be fulfilled.”

Gisèle Chrétien was the President of Collège Boréal from 1998 to 2006.  Prior to this appointment, Ms. Chrétien was Vice-President of Programs and Academic Support at the College. She is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ontario French-Language Educational Communications Authority (TfO) and member of the Board of Directors of the Higher Education and Quality Council of Ontario. Gisèle holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Cambrian College, a BSc. in Nursing from Laurentian University and a Masters of Education from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, a component of the University of Toronto.

John Caruso is a lifelong learner who understands the challenges of returning to school and changing careers. After completing his high school education at night while working full time, Mr. Caruso graduated from Cambrian College's Social Services Program, worked for the Children's Aid Society, and then worked for the Government of Canada for 20 years. From there, he opened a signage design and manufacturing business, volunteered as Chair of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation and launched a community development consulting firm. He then sold the signage business and returned to school to pursue an MBA while working with communities across Northern Ontario on labour adjustment and economic development projects.

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