MPP Hardeman Launches 2014 Business Survey

WOODSTOCK – Today Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman launched his 2014 survey of businesses in Oxford County. The survey is designed to give businesses an opportunity to share their concerns.

“Businesses in Oxford – large and small – are the backbone of our community,” said Hardeman. “It’s important to hear directly from the businesses about the challenges they are facing so that I can raise these issues in the legislature.”

The survey comes on the heels of a Statistics Canada report showing that Ontario lost another 39,000 jobs in the month of December, the most of any province.

“I want to find out how Oxford businesses are dealing with challenges such as the increasing cost of doing business in the province,” said Hardeman. “Gathering this information helps me push for an environment where Oxford businesses can continue to grow and expand.”

The survey asks about potential shortages in skilled labour, how projected government policies would affect them, and how government can help Oxford businesses grow.

Hardeman’s previous business survey found that:

– 71% of businesses said that the regulatory burden is increasing.
– 95% of businesses surveyed were very concerned about the provincial deficit; and
– 40% of respondents make more than two-thirds of their purchases from local vendors.

The 2014 business survey will be mailed to local businesses and can also be completed online atwww.ErnieHardemanMPP.com/business.

“I understand that businesses in Oxford are competing with companies all over the country and beyond,” said Hardeman. “It’s very important that the provincial government help these businesses succeed, not stifle their growth.”

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(416) 325-1239