Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece says local businesses are concerned about planned changes to Ontario Labour Laws.
Bill 148 will also include an increase of the minimum wage to $15/hr by 2019.
“Small businesses in Perth-Wellington are raising red flags about Bill 148,” he says. “Some are warning they could be forced to reduce work hours, lay off employees, and possibly even close their businesses altogether.”
He adds Community and social service agencies also pay below $15/hr, and are worried they will not be able to sustain their services to vulnerable groups.
Pettapiece says base funding for many agencies has not increased in nine years.
He told the all-party Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Friday that many local agencies that will be facing huge new costs.
“I have met with several non-profit leaders about Bill 148 and they are extremely worried about being able to sustain services,” Pettapiece noted after the meeting. “People with disabilities and other vulnerable groups rely on these agencies. It seems the government hasn’t even thought about them.”
