Government on wrong track: Oxford Businesses

For Immediate Release

March 2, 2017

Government on wrong track: Oxford Businesses

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Legislature Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP, reported the results of his annual Oxford business survey which found that companies in Oxford are continuing to struggle with red tape and increasing costs leading 80% of Oxford businesses to say the government is on the wrong track.

“Their message was clear – despite all of their hard work Ontario businesses are struggling because of government red tape and the cost of doing business,” said Hardeman. “This government’s policies are costing our companies more every year and the result is businesses that are closing or downsizing.”

The survey found that 80% of Oxford businesses think the government is on the wrong track, 16% were unsure and just 4% agreed with the government’s approach.

“Businesses reported that their hydro bills have doubled or tripled and that the majority of the cost is not the electricity they use but the global adjustment, regulatory charges and delivery costs,” said Hardeman. “They need a government that will actually address the policies that have resulted in these massive increases to the cost of hydro.”

Of the businesses that shared their hydro costs only 23% was electricity usage. 64% of the hydro costs were due to the global adjustment, a large portion of which results from costs of the government’s high priced green energy contracts.

Hardeman pointed out that he had delivered a similar message about red tape and the increasing cost of doing business after last year’s survey.

“I want to thank all the businesses that took the time to respond and share their information with me,” said Hardeman.  “Our business people and their employees work hard every day and they deserve a government that will work with them to help them succeed.”

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For more information, contact:

Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford

(416) 325-1239