Sousa: blocking Small Business Act could hurt

Ontario’s finance minister, Charles Sousa, is urging the opposition parties to pass the Supporting Small Businesses Act. He’s warning that blocking it could hurt entrepreneurs.

“I want to be very clear. If oppositions block bill 105 from passing before the house rises in December, small business in Ontario will be forced to pay high taxes as soon as February 15th. This is the day when many businesses pay their first employer health tax installments of the year.

“The uncertainty and burden of a delay by the opposition will make it more difficult for these businesses to hire additional staff and invest in our province.”

According to Sousa, the bill would exempt almost 90 per cent of private-sector employers from paying the employer health tax, saving them up to $975 a year.