Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker has voiced concerns from local constituents and businesses over the labour reform bill, known as Bill 148, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000. This is the legislation that will increase the minimum wage in Ontario.

Walker is now encouraging constituents who haven't yet spoken up to do so via committee hearings that will be taking place  from October 30 to November 2. Hearing dates are taking place before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on Monday, Oct. 30, from 1:30 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 9 to 10:15 a.m., and Thursday, Nov. 2 from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and again from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Written submissions are also being accepted until Friday, Nov. 3. To apply to testify, or to submit written submissions, please contact the clerk of the Finance Committee, Eric Rennie at 416-325-3506 or by e-mail.

Last month Ontario's independent fiscal watchdog warned a $15-hour minimum wage hike could cost at least 50,000 jobs. Similarly, an Ontario Chamber of Commerce Report has found the increase will result in 185,000 lost jobs over time and drive up prices from everything from groceries to childcare. While Walker and his party support this increase, they want the increases implemented responsibly so there's minimum impact on people's cost of living.

"It's clear why the Liberal government has to this point refused to conduct their own economic analysis into the proposed changes. They don't want to see the results," Walker concluded. "It's irresponsible to bring in changes without knowing its impact on future cost of living, jobs and overall economy."

source: media release, MPP Bill Walker