Remember for Burnaby, North, Thank You mr. speaker, climate change, artificial intelligence, globalization, the gig economy. These are trends that are transforming work. As we know it. More and more people are employed as temporary independent contractors without prospect of benefits, job security or pensions. What are we going to do? Well? Groundswell may have part of the answer. Groundswell is an innovative alternative business school.

It specializes in serving diverse populations, who are squeezed out of the job market, are working in marginal jobs who are looking for agency and support in creating their own self-employed livelihood and small businesses at groundswell. Students learn how to tap into their innate strengths, talents and passions and turn their ideas into something at which they can make a living while also addressing social problems. I was introduced to groundswell by one of my constituents. Gilad Babcock, the executive director and co-founder of groundswell I met Irena, a graduate of groundswell.

She created fab cycle, a business that collects textile waste before it goes into the landfill and sells it to artists. Crafters and designers. I met Conlon Mansfield, who opened a gym. His clients knowingly pay a little extra, so they can sponsor the training of indigenous sports teams.

Groundswell was established in 2013 since then, it has graduated more than 200. Students created a hundred and 40 jobs, and more than a hundred small businesses with startup capital of less than $5,000 groundswell, isn't likely to produce the next Bill Gates, just ordinary people who want to make a living and a difference in a shrinking job market. The next program starts April 3rd. Thank you.