Media Advisory - CFIB applauds Ontario Finance Minister's move to freeze
public sector wages

TORONTO, July 19 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is applauding Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan's proposal to freeze wages in the public sector. According to the most recent Statistics Canada Census data as reported in CFIB's Wage Watch study, when you compare the wage differential between the public and private sectors in Ontario, the public sector has a 13 per cent wage advantage. When benefits and pensions are included, the advantage jumps to over 30 per cent.

"Many in the private sector have lost jobs and had to make other sacrifices over the past couple of years during the recession. In a number of European countries such as Greece, we have seen the terrible problems that occur when governments let public sector spending spiral out of control. In Canada, all governments need to rein in public sector spending before we find ourselves in a crisis situation," stated CFIB president Catherine Swift.

"With the finance minister providing clear leadership and recognizing the contribution of small business in growing the economy and creating jobs, establishing a clear and level playing field between the public and private sectors will go a long way in helping to maintain the economic recovery we are beginning to see. This is not simply an issue of financial prudence, but also one of fundamental fairness for private sector taxpayers. A great deal needs to be done on public/private sector salary and benefit inequities at all levels of government, but it is commendable that Ontario has made an important first step," concluded Swift.

As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by Entrepreneurs(TM). Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 107,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy.

For further information: To reach Catherine Swift, please call Gisele Lumsden at 647-808-5769; To view our Wage Watch Study visit: www.cfib-fcei.ca/english/research/canada/112-labour_policy/32-wage_watch.html