Government Follows Opposition’s Lead With “Open for Business” Legislation

Under its Open Ontario strategy, the provincial government claims to support simpler, better and faster interaction between government and business.

At Queen’s Park last week, the new Open for Business Act was introduced. If passed, the legislation would offer 100 amendments, including a risk-based approach to environmental approvals that would save as much as 25% of their project application costs. More efficient resolutions of Employment Standards claims are also part of the announcement last week.

Through the Official Opposition’s 10 ideas for 2010, we have already called for suspending the tax on new jobs, eliminating job-killing red tape and regulations, expanding job opportunities for young workers and restoring balance to the WSIB system. It’s time for the McGuinty government to expand its Open for Business theme and incorporate more ideas from the Official Opposition. If it works with individuals, businesses, elected officials and indeed all stakeholders, this government could create economic conditions that encourage innovation and opportunities. Ontario can lead again.

Government Rejects Provincial Vote on HST

In the Ontario Legislature last week, the Official Opposition attempted to introduce a motion delaying the dreaded harmonized sales tax until after the provincial election. Essentially, our resolution would have enabled the 2011 provincial election to serve as a referendum on the HST. This approach is only reasonable when you consider that Premier McGuinty took an oath saying: “I will not raise taxes or implement any new taxes without the explicit consent of Ontario voters.”  Before our Opposition Day motion could be debated and put to a vote, the McGuinty government rejected an all-party agreement and killed the motion. Last week 200 citizens representing Ontario gyms and fitness clubs were on hand for an HST protest on the Queen’s Park lawn. The HST will add $57.60 in new taxes annually on a gym membership of $60 per month. In addition to gym memberships, the HST will also hit many other fitness and sports activities. Under the HST, after-school sports programs for children, ice rental for hockey, and the purchase of bicycles will all cost eight per cent more. The National Citizens Coalition estimates the HST will cost the average taxpayer an additional $800 to $1,000 or more annually. A study by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation confirms the provincial government will haul in an additional $1.6 billion per year from the application of the HST to gas and diesel prices. When the HST comes into effect on July 1, it will add to the cost of a wide range of goods and services we use every day, including gasoline, hydro and home heating oil.

Protection from Violence and Harassment at Work

As of June 15, there are new requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act for protection against violence and harassment in the workplace. Under provincial legislation passed last December and going into effect June 15, employers are required to develop workplace violence and harassment policies and programs. There is a requirement for employers to assess the risks of workplace violence based on the nature of the workplace and working conditions as well as developing measures and procedures to protect staff. Workers have the right to refuse work if they believe they are at risk of physical injury due to possible workplace violence. There is also a requirement for employers who are aware of the potential for domestic violence in a workplace to take reasonable precautions that will protect the workers at risk. A 2004 Statistics Canada survey found that 17 per cent of violent incidents in Canada occur at the workplace. This represents about 356,000 incidents over a 12-month period across Canada. A tool kit and guide for employers is available at the Ministry of Labour’s web site, www.labour.gov.on.ca

 Queen’s Park Hosts Farmer’s Market

A Farmer’s Market took over much of the lawn at Queen’s Park Monday, May 17, as a reminder that good things grow in Ontario. There were more than 20 exhibitors with dozens of farm fresh Ontario products ranging from ice cream to mushrooms and honey.

More than 30 new members joined Farmers’ Markets Ontario over the last two years – which brings the total to 152. There are also 75 new members in the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, bringing the total of registered on-farm markets to more than 300.

Celebrating June as Seniors Month in Ontario

 “Coming of Age” is the theme of the 2010 Seniors Month in Ontario. With the designation of June as Seniors Month, Ontarians have the opportunity to recognize and to thank older Ontarians who have worked hard to build the prosperity and high quality of life Ontarians share. Award ceremonies, recognition events, socials and seniors’ information fairs are all part of the agenda for Seniors Month.  Ontario’s population aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.8 million, or 13.7 per cent of the population in 2009 to 4.1 million, or 23.2 per cent, in 2036. The growth in the seniors’ share of the population will accelerate after 2011 as baby boomers begin to turn age 65. Many people today say “the new 65 is 75.”

Ontario Savings Bonds on Sale June 1-21

Each June, the Province of Ontario provides an opportunity for citizens to invest in our province through the purchase of Ontario Savings Bonds. These bonds offer competitive interest rates plus the added advantage of supporting services like health, education, infrastructure and skills training. If you wish, you can hold your Ontario Savings Bonds in your self-directed RRSP or RESP and/or your tax-free savings account. The bond campaign runs from June 1 to 21, with bonds available in amounts as low as $100 and as high as $500,000.  You can get more information at 1-888-212-BOND (2663) and also at the web site www.ontario.ca/savingsbonds