Dear Friends,
The Ontario Liberal Government’s new public service compensation restraint legislation gives the Ontario cabinet sweeping powers to impose compensation contracts on provincial public service workers until 2017-18. It will allow the provincial cabinet to not only freeze wages but to roll them back, to change salary grids and non-wage benefits, and to bar unions from going on strike.
It will be challenged in the courts as it denies the collective bargaining rights of Ontario public servants and will cost provincial taxpayers more in the long run if it is struck down by the courts.
In recent years, public sector wage increases have been below the rate of inflation and lower than the private sector. It is unfortunate that the McGuinty Liberals have flip-flopped and have now adopted the right- wing agenda of Conservative leader Tim Hudak.
The McGuinty Government should take a balanced approach to balancing the province’s budget. It should ensure that the wealthiest one per cent and the large, profitable corporations pay their fair share of taxes. If the corporate tax rate in Ontario was restored to the 2010 level and if the wealthiest individuals earning more than $250,000 a year paid a 2 % surtax, over $3 billion would be raised by the provincial government each year.
By working together for a fairer taxation system, we can create a stronger economy for everyone, improve public healthcare and education, and make life more affordable for everyday families.
Yours truly,
Brian Lynch,
President,
SDSG Provincial NDP riding association
