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There is nothing more inspiring than people determined to work hard and contribute despite the obstacles life puts in their way

The federal government had been scrambling to find a solution since the Citizen reported last week that the 50 had been thrown out of work.

Public reaction, much of it directed at the Conservative government, was furious and fierce.

Mr. Poilievre said he, too, was shocked to hear his government had killed the jobs of the workers, some of whom have worked at the plant since the program began 35 years ago.

“When I learned that their contract was winding down,” he said, “I immediately pulled all those involved together to find a solution that would keep these great Canadians working. Officials have worked hard to identify two departments [his own and Canadian Heritage] that will use the group’s service. Other departments may be added, and there will be plenty of paper to manage.

“The work will have real value,” he said.

But Mr. Poilievre added that the thorny issue of the $1.15 paid the workers was a matter for the disabilities association and not the government.

The value of the contract — $124,600 — will not change.

The workers share the money, making about $2,000 a year each as an honorarium.

Aside from anger at the apparent callous way the workers were treated, much of the public outrage has been around that lowly equivalent payment of $1.15 an hour.

An Ontario government announcement mid-week that the provincial minimum wage will be increased to $11.25 in the fall only served to emphasize what many critics see as an inequity.