A harsh reminder for Ontario’s Premier Friday.
The President and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce told Kathleen Wynne that the region has lost out on hundreds of high-paying jobs because the province is 'just not competitive'.
“I reminded the Premier this morning, that we had an agreement, years ago, on minimum wage,” said Matt Marchand.
Bill 148 however calls for minimum wage to go up to $14 on January 1, 2018 and reach $15 an hour in 2019.
Marchand was one of 10 Windsorites invited to a private meeting with the head of Ontario's government Friday.
Marchand said he used his three minutes to tell her the reality of Ontario's competitiveness, or lack thereof.
“Recently a large employer in this region, was unable to bring in up to 700 well-paying, $50,000 to $70,000 jobs, here in the Windsor-Essex area,” claimed Marchand.
The Chamber leader blames soaring electricity costs, cap and trade, and now Bill 148 are making Ontario less attractive.
The Premier concedes the bill will be difficult for small business, but she says it will include help for them.
“When I talk about the changes that might support, I can't make a list for you now, but we will be bringing forward a plan” maintained Wynne.
Wynne started her visit at Head Start at the University of Windsor to deliver some remarks. From there, she went to St. Clair College for a discussion on labour.
Wynne then had a meeting with Windsor city council.
Wynne’s stops in Windsor are part of a wider tour of the area.
On Thursday, she began her day in St. Thomas before heading to Chatham-Kent. She was met with protesters before beginning a tour of the Chatham-Kent museum.
