The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and associated members in the North are applauding news that the Ontario government plans to repeal labour legislation that would have, among other changes, raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour from the current $14.
On Oct. 23, the province announced it would move to repeal most of Bill 148, including freezing the minimum wage at $14 per hour until 2020, dissolve the Ontario College of Trades, and make adjustments to the journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio.
“Today’s announcement is welcome news for workers and businesses of all sizes throughout Ontario, as well as a bold step in creating a stronger and more prosperous province,” the Ontario chamber said in an Oct. 23 news release.
“On behalf of our 60,000 members in 135 communities, we are absolutely thrilled that the Government of Ontario is holding strong in its commitment to keep Ontario open for business. It is now more critical than ever to create an economy that ensures both employers and employees are prepared for the labour market needs of tomorrow.”
The chamber said repealing Bill 148 would create legislation that’s “reasonable for employers and fair to workers,” suggesting Bill 148 was “too much, too fast.” The chamber called for “balanced priorities that make it easier to invest, start, and grow a business as well as build an economy that connects workers to jobs.”
The chamber contended that, according to the Consumer Price Index, Bill 148 would result in price increases on goods and services for Ontarians, and over the long term, 50,000 to 180,000 jobs would be at risk, costing the economy at least $150,000.
The chamber was equally enthusiastic about the province’s vow to revamp the skilled trades apprenticeship system, suggesting the current approach has become “overly focused on enforcement and regulation, limiting its ability to serve the public interest by attracting and training new tradespeople.”
Changes promised by the government include introducing a one-to-one journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio.
Peter Chirico, president and CEO of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, lauded the proposed changes as a “clear message to the business community of Ontario that they are listening.”
“Ontario is open for business, and we are pleased with today’s announcement,” Chirico said in a news release. “The chamber network fought hard in 2017 against the previous government’s implementation of Bill 148 and the timeframe for which it was instituted. The chamber also voiced its implementation over the increased red tape that the Ontario College of Trades were imposing on business since its inception in 2009.”
Carlo Spadafora, acting president at the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, echoed that sentiment, noting the “unintended consequences” of the legislation on employers and employees.
“In consultation, our members have made clear the compounding effects of Bill 148, including the need to decrease product offerings and increase the price of products being sold, hire fewer employees, reduce services and hours of operation, cut back on employee benefits, increase their reliance on automation, and halt capital investment – all in an effort to stay afloat.
“This is not good for economic growth or for the workers Bill 148 was purported to aid.”
