Heinz closing sparks debate in legislature

Nearly two weeks after Heinz announced the company was closing its doors after 100 years. MPP Rick Nicholls had some heated words for how the government was handling the announcement.

Nicholls attacked the Premier, saying Kathleen Wynne’s visit to Leamington last week was more of a photo op than help for the 700 full time and 500 seasonal workers and their families. On the other hand, Economic Development Minister Eric Hoskins says the visit was to find out how they can help the community.

Rick Nicholls: “Retired employees, employees collecting pensions from Heinz are worried about what happens next. Folks who were about to retire are worried about their future. Young people are forced to look elsewhere. Families are scared they are pulling up roots and leaving Ontario. You owe them an apology, crushing hopes of young people and driving people away from Ontario.”

Eric Hoskins: “We need to take the politics out of this and make sure the people of Leamington. I know how devesitating this is to the local communiuty. Not just the workers of that factory but the local community people who work on the farms and the supply chain. I am to doing everything to help those people. I expected the Leader of the Opposition to do the same.”

Leamington is going to lose one million dollars in tax revenue, and tomato growers across Southern Ontario will be affected.