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13 | Friday May 19, 2017 | OAKVILLE BEAVER |www.insidehalton.com Oakville Cham ber speaks out on proposed Ontario labour reform by Nathan Howes Oakville Beaver Staff I ! Vachon Insurance Group 200-5468 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON i 1-800-766-8662 vachoninsce.com As independent insurance brokers, we have freedom of choice. So should you. W e 'll present yo u with m ore options designed to better m atch yo u r protection and budget needs. The Ontario government' s proposed labour reforms would discourage investment, eliminate jobs and diminish economic opportunities in the province, especially among small business owners, says the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. The local Chamber, along with its Ontario counterpart, sent a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne cautioning against proposed changes to Ontario' s Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA), including the introduction of a $15 minimum wage. The letter cautions the provincial government on proposed reforms, which may have unintended consequences impacting job creation and competitiveness and may discourage investment in the province. According to the Oakville Chamber, the potential reforms are happening when costs for consumers and the cost of doing business is high, putting Ontario at a competitive disadvantage. "Drastic reforms" to labour and employment run the risk of causing serious damage to the future prosperity of the province, it advises. "These sweeping changes could seriously impact job creation and the health of our local economy in Oakville," noted Faye Lyons, Oakville Chamber vice-president of government relations and advocacy, in a statement. "We need to get the message out the proposed changes would discourage investment in Ontario, thereby discouraging investment and diminishing economic opportunities in Ontario." On issues of non-standard and part-time work, the Oakville Chamber cited data from Statistics Canada that shows part-time work has risen 22 per cent since 2003, down from the 36 per cent increase in the previous 12-year period. "We are urging Premier Kathleen Wynne to complete an economic impact analysis of the proposed reforms to limit potential consequences that could seriously jeopardize our future growth," said Richard Koroscil, interim president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber. "We support reform where and when it is needed, but we caution against change for change' s sake." The Province' s 2017 budget states 98 per cent of all new jobs created since the recession have been full time and 78 per cent have been above average wage for their respective industries, stated the Oakville Chamber' s media release. The Dufferin Board of Trade is also against the reforms and has a sent letter to Wynne, also in partnership with the Ontario Chamber, addressing the same concerns raised by the Oakville group. Don't settle for one quote from your insurance agent. Let us help you get your money's worth. Get on free instant on-line quote at w w w .vachoninsce.com Call us after quote, as you m ay be missing discounts you deserve! Explore Your B ACKYARD Only at Start planning yo u r summer adventures w ith travel deals on hotels, vacation rentals, tours and more! travelalertsxa Visit www.travelalerts.ca/Backyard Authentic Montessori at its Best - For Ages 18 m o.-12 yrs. >An empowering curriculum that engages children »Individual focus to define your child's learning »Community atmosphere that makes students feel included and valued >Creative expression allows your child to explore their own interests and talents "Each space reflects the professionalism, pride and dedication of everyone in the school." -C C M A A ccre d itatio n Team F A IR V IE W G L E N MONTESSORI SCHOOL 905.634.0781 ·fairviewglen.com vin vlb il L T B E T T E R Bronte & Dundas, O akville ELLIPSE J jjj S H U T T E R S (39 iiT R U B ILT o o r s y s t e m s 905.827.3331 onc 0-_ fasada.ca H unterD ouglas# Gallery