Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece suggests Bill 148 will have a devastating impact on services for people with developmental disabilities.
Social services agencies will now face millions in new costs.
The Liberal government's legislation includes equal pay for part-time workers, increased vacation entitlements and expanded personal emergency leave, but the centrepiece is an increase in the minimum wage.
It is currently set to rise from $11.60 in October to $14 in January, and $15 in 2019.
Pettapiece says The Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs has found the changes will cost its 200 members a total of $55.96-million.
He says the agencies have not had a core funding increase in nine years.
Pettapiece says the government failed to do a cost-benefit analysis of the legislation, which makes drastic changes to employment and labour laws.
Minister Helena Jaczek says she is extremely aware of the concerns raised by OASIS, but offered no assurances they would address the new costs.
Pettapiece expressed great frustration with the government’s lack of commitment.
“To say she is ‘aware’ of this problem just isn’t good enough,” says Pettapiece. “People with developmental disabilities and their families deserve real action, not just empty words.”
