Ontario Chamber Network Calls for Repeal of Bill 148

The Milton Chamber of Commerce 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.  The Chamber argues that 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 in Halton Region are experiencing real consequences from this legislation’s lack of substantive stakeholder consultation and unrealistic implementation timelines,” said Scott McCammon, President & CEO of The Milton Chamber of Commerce.  The Keep Ontario Working Coalition (KOW) estimates the legislation could cost Milton up to 7,970 jobs.

“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.”  Minimum wage went to $14/ hr January 1, 2018, with a second hike to $15/hr scheduled for January 1, 2019.  Ford has said doesn’t want the second hike to go ahead, but his government has so far made no move to stop it.

Other measures in the legislation include the expansion of personal emergency leave to 10 days/ calendar for all employees, mandating equal pay for part-time, temporary, casual, and seasonal employees.

The reforms were first announced in May, 2017.  They were passed as legislation in November.  The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has come out in opposition to the measures, alleging the Wynne government didn’t consider the consequences.