Media Release Ontario Chamber Calls on Provincial Government to Immediately Repeal Bill 148 August 30, 2018

(Toronto, August 30, 2018) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is calling on the Government of Ontario to immediately repeal the drastic labour reforms introduced by Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces Better Jobs Act, 2017. Recent testimonials from the Ontario business community showcase a common theme – the labour reforms established by the previous government were too much, too fast and have significantly limited their ability to maintain or grow the workforce they need to be competitive.

“Businesses across the province are experiencing real consequences from this legislation’s lack of stakeholder consultation and unrealistic implementation timelines,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the OCC. “Premier Ford pledged to make Ontario ‘Open for Business’ by implementing policies that make it easier to invest, start, and grow a business in the province as well as build an economy that connects workers to jobs. This begins with the reversal of Bill 148.”

Over the coming weeks, the OCC will showcase testimonials about the impacts of these legislative changes, such as the need for businesses to decrease staff hours and capital investment, and an increased reliance on automation.

While the OCC supports the minimum wage remaining at $14 an hour, the Ontario business community must be appropriately consulted, and a comprehensive economic impact analysis needs to be completed for any future proposed changes to employment legislation.

“We encourage the broader employer community to join us in calling on the government to take immediate action,” said Rossi. “As Ontario’s Business Advocate, we are dedicated to working collaboratively with the provincial government to strengthen business competitiveness and economic prosperity across Ontario.”

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For more information please contact:

Ceara Copps – Edwards

Communications Advisor

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

647-243-3562

cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca