Tecumseh mayor says Bill 148 could cause 10% property tax spike

The mayor of Tecumseh says the province's proposed Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act could cause major tax increases for residents.

Gary McNamara is the latest municipal leader to raise the alarm about the Ontario's far-reaching labour legislation, which is making its way through Queen's Park.

Bill 148 would boost the minimum wage from $11.40 to $15 per hour, starting in 2019.

It would also bring in equal pay for part-time workers and increase on-call pay for firefighters and other emergency workers.

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"My municipality could be hit up to $2 million per year," McNamara said in an interview with CBC Radio's Afternoon Drive. "It means a 10 to 12 per cent tax increase just to satisfy the requirements of the bill."

McNamara said that while he does not dispute the idea that employers should pay fair wages, municipalities are not part of the problem. "As an employer of choice, we pay our folks very well," he said. "They have great benefits and pension and so forth."

McNamara said the town is hoping to get an exemption if the legislation is passed as currently worded.

Tap on the audio player to hear the entire interview with Afternoon Drive guest host Emm Gryner.