Ontario's NDP Leaderless on Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage Dodge-and-Weave Exposes Horwath's Weakness on Jobs and the Economy

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Andrea Horwath doesn't know what to do with the minimum wage because the NDP has absolutely no plan for jobs and the economy, said Liberal MPP Yasir Naqvi today.

"Andrea Horwath can run, but she can't continue to hide on minimum wage.  The NDP, and its leader Andrea Horwath, have shown a shocking lack of leadership on this critical issue.  Asked repeatedly for her position on the minimum wage just the other day, Horwath has come up empty," said Naqvi.

"Andrea Horwath said she didn't know what to do. Horwath's minimum wage dodge-and-weave exposes Horwath's weakness on jobs and the economy," Naqvi added.

Naqvi noted that Premier Kathleen Wynne brought many business and labour leaders together in support of raising the minimum wage and indexing future increases:

Allan O'Dette, President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce: "Tying minimum wage to the CPI brings much needed predictability, transparency, and fairness to the entire process. [The] decision is a positive development for businesses who have long been calling for an end to political interference in how we set the minimum wage."

Ontario Federation of Labour: "revolutionary in a way – the panel's unanimous decision has brought labour, business and government together."

"It's true that not everyone was supportive of all parts of our plan, that is what compromise and leadership is all about. While Kathleen Wynne shows strong leadership supporting fairness for workers and their families, the NDP has absolutely no plan at all.  It's no wonder voters question the NDP's ability to help grow our economy," said Naqvi.  "The NDP has no plan and they won't present one because they are afraid of reminding Ontarians exactly how bad the NDP are for the economy."

"The PCs on the other hand, are promoting an all-out war on labour.  Tim Hudak opposes raising the minimum wage.  He has opposed every single increase since it was just $6.85 in 1995.  Even worse, Tim Hudak supports so-called "right-to-work-for-less" policies that will drive down wages right across the board," said Naqvi.

"Only Kathleen Wynne's Liberals will continue working with all Ontarians to create jobs, and grow the economy," concluded Naqvi.

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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