Durham Businesses on the Hook for More

November 24, 2011

NEWS

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole used his first member’s statement of the new session of the Legislature to highlight the increases in costs business will be facing because of the McGuinty government.

The recent Throne Speech all but ignored the plight of small businesses, farmers and home-based entrepreneurs who continue to feel the pinch because of increased taxes and burdensome red-tape.

On January 1, 2012 an increase in WSIB premiums by two percent will take place, while the HST and rising energy costs continue to impact business budgets.

Red tape costs our economy $11 billion each year, but no commitment has been made to reduce this burden. The McGuinty government has further made no commitment to give Ontario’s business community a guaranteed voice whenever government discusses taxes and spending that will impact the Ontario economy.

Mr. O’Toole highlighted the simple and effective initiatives of the PC Caucus to reform the apprenticeship program and legislate a mandatory wage freeze for the public sector. This would create 200,000 new jobs in the skilled trades and save billions of dollars in additional debt and deficit.

QUOTES

“Ontario businesses are not being treated as respected partners by Premier McGuinty; we must support small business, farmers and home-based entrepreneurs. – John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

“I continue to remain concerned about jobs and the economy in Ontario. It seems that Premier McGuinty does not share this concern. – John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

QUICK FACTS

The Ontario PC Caucus has introduced an amendment to the Throne Speech in a motion that supports the following initiatives:

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  • Reforming Ontario’s apprenticeship system to create 200,000 skilled trades jobs; and
  • Addressing Ontario’s debt crisis by calling for a legislated, mandatory wage freeze in the public sector.

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433