Emerson Arnold’s first job delivering the Timmins Daily Press has ended with his first lay-off notice.

"Inside the bundles of papers I get every morning there was a sheet of paper explaining everything,” the 13-year-old said, adding he was told the newspaper is hiring a delivery company instead.

timmins daiy pressLay-offs in the newspaper industry have hit the youngest employees at one paper in northern Ontario. The Timmins Daily Press recently let go all of its child carriers. (Wikimedia Commons)
"I think they were just trying to save money. I understand why they would do it, but I'm disappointed I couldn't do it for just a little bit longer."

Arnold was hoping to save thousands to pay for his post-secondary education.

The Publisher of the Timmins Daily Press, Lisa Wilson, refused to comment.

Elsewhere in the region young carriers aren't being let go, but more and more grown-ups are doing the deliveries.

In Sudbury, Northern Life community newspaper wishes it had more young carriers but, right now, about 60 per cent of its routes are done by a paper boy or paper girl.

Circulation manager Giselle Perrin said there aren't as many kids out there, and even fewer looking for a job.

“So, yeah, we're struggling a little bit as far as keeping the young carriers,” she said.

Perrin said a paper carrier is an important first job — and says she gets many requests for references.

Former Timmins paperboy Emerson Arnold said he is now brushing up his resume and looking to start his second career.

Arnold says paper carrier is one of the few jobs out there for kids looking to make some money.

"Really, there's not much else for kids that aren't old enough,” he said.

“Because most jobs don't hire until you're at least 14 years old."

Listen to audio and see original story: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/timmins-daily-press-replaces-youth-carriers-with-delivery-company-1.2561028

Feature Picture - (Wikimedia Commons)