Hardeman Launches Annual Business Survey

WOODSTOCK – Today Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford, launched his annual business survey to hear the challenges that companies in Oxford are facing.

 

“I’ve heard from businesses across the riding about the challenges that they are facing, particularly regarding government regulation and the high cost of operating in Ontario,” said Hardeman. “The survey gives me the information I need to raise those concerns in the Legislature and push the government to take action to support our companies and the jobs they create here in Oxford.”

 

The survey asks about hydro costs, the impact of changes under Bill 148 and what changes the government could make to help businesses grow.

 

Hardeman’s 2017 business survey found that:

• 88% of businesses said they had been impacted by the increasing cost of hydro.
• One of the companies said their hydro bill was $385,537.26, but that only $88,210 was for actual hydro used everything else was added charges.
• 80% of businesses said that the government was on the wrong track.

 

“I want to thank all the Oxford businesses who took the time to share the challenges they are facing,” said Hardeman. “I will continue to push the government to create conditions where our businesses can grow and create jobs, but until we can get these challenges addressed I continue to encourage people to support their local businesses whenever they can,” said Hardeman.

 

In response to recent announcements of layoffs this year Hardeman launched a Shop Local, Buy Local campaign to help support local businesses.

 

The 2018 business survey has been mailed to local businesses and can be completed online at www.ErnieHardemanMPP.com/business.

 

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For more information, contact:

Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford

(416) 325-1239