September 7, 2011

Labour Program – Election 2011

The election is underway and we are in it to win. Andrea Horwath has been speaking to people about the change they are looking for from government. Positive change, that puts people first.

That means good Jobs, healthcare when you need it, childcare and education for everyone, and making life affordable at a time where every dollar counts.

Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s New Democrats have put together a plan that will invest in frontline services, protect and create good jobs, grow the economy, bring manufacturing back to Ontario and process our own resources here in our province.

Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s New Democrats will fight as we always have – to protect workers. These are points in our platform to make it happen:

• We will fight for Fair Wages
• We will increase the minimum wage immediately
• We will protect the Collective Bargaining Process
• We will re-introduce First Contract Arbitration
• We will push for Card Based Certification
• We will support Anti-Scab Legislation
• We will maintain the current funding for Apprenticeship Programs
• We will keep industry established apprenticeship ratios as they are
• We will support Prompt Payment Legislation for the Construction Industry
• We will work towards eliminating the Underground Economy
• We will ensure that the College of Trades is fully Supported
• We will offer close to $1 Billion in immediate energy retrofits to provide good jobs right away
• We will support expanded CPP Benefits

To fight for workers we also need to have a plan to help business invest here in Ontario.

The prosperity of the province relies on a strong business environment which will help companies flourish and meet the needs of everyday people. To make communities continue to grow and prosper. To make life affordable we need more growing businesses that provide good jobs for people and build community.

Ontario’s New Democrats offer a program that will restore the province as a manufacturing powerhouse and a resource capital here in North America.

We are going to help business to invest here in the province to protect and grow jobs. These are points in our platform to make it happen:

• We will reward job creators with tax relief
• We will reimburse 20% of salary paid for new hires up to $5,000
• We will ensure that Corporate Tax Rates stay below US level
• We will cut taxes to 4% for small businesses
• We will offer 10% tax credit for investments in buildings, machinery and equipment
• We will get electricity and gas prices under control
• We will implement a reduced electricity rate for energy intensive sectors of industry
• We will ensure that a healthy and educated workforce continues to grow
• We will improve infrastructure and transportation
• We will re-invest government tax money back into Ontario businesses and products
• We will process and refine Ontario’s resources here in Ontario

The next government should be investing in more frontline services, transit systems, new infrastructure and good green jobs. Andrea Horwath can make it happen.

Elections Ontario Law allows for contributions up to $9,300 to each provincial party and up to $6,200 additional contributions to candidates.

Contact: Josh Bizjak, Head of Labour & Corporate Relations

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