Express Employment Professionals contacted over 1,000 businesses and asked respondents what action they would take if the hike took affect by 2019 as stipulated by the Wynne Liberals.
Marketing Director Garrett Hein says 3% say they would simply close their doors.
"A third said they would increase their prices, while a third say they would eliminate positions, although we think it would be higher than that in the long run," says Hein. "One of our main concerns is attracting new businesses. If a business owner has to choose between a location with a lower minimum wage and $15/h, well, that's a big discrepancy. We definitely think Ontario workers deserve a raise, but we feel the best way to do that is through a competitive economy. You need low regulation, lower taxes to create an environment where businesses want to come, set up shop and hire in Ontario."
