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McGuinty vows to review severance rule

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 5:07 PM EDT 13/05/08

Ontario Premier says Employment Standards Act may have to be beefed up to keep companies from using loophole to avoid paying severance ...Read the full article

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  1. Devil Bud from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory says it's important to protect workers' rights when they lose their jobs, but the government has to ensure it's not setting up a barrier to new investment in Ontario.'

    Heh John, time to start protecting employees, not your buddies that daddy's law firm represents. Amending the ESA and Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act should have been done years ago. I am not sure how some people actually believe that their job is more important than others...you'll be crying to your MP or MPP when you don't get severance, and your U.S. monster corporation says that they are bankrupt while still turning massive profits abroad.
  2. Robert Loblaw from Canada, Canada writes: 'But NDP Leader Howard Hampton says this is the third time Mr. McGuinty has promised to follow up on the severance provisions, and there have been no changes to the law yet.'

    That's because he's too busy passing laws banning plastic bags and pesticide use.

    Of course, thered be plenty of severance money available if and when the next Hydro One executive gets canned.

    Right on Dalton, keep fiddling!
  3. Robert Loblaw from Canada, Canada writes: Devil Bud - Just in case you've been asleep for the last year or so, Dalton McDoolittle is the Premier of Ontario.

    His government is responsible for dealing with this issue.

    Tory's comments are fodder for the press, from an honest guy who doesn't understand politics, and doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut for his own and his parties benefit.

    But I'd rather an honest guy who says what he believes in than a Premier who does nothing but pay lip service to those ideas that will bank him the greatest number of votes.
  4. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: That's right Devil Bud, keep supporting Dalton for finding any way possible to chase business out of Ontario. It's gonna be pretty tough to protect employees when there isn't anybody around to employ them. But heck, let's keep corporate tax rates high, and change the law so commerce has even less reason for hanging around in Ontario.
  5. Friendly Anglo from Ottawa, Canada writes: Moving employees further up the food chain when a company goes under would be a very nice idea. A print shop I worked at went under, bounced my last pay cheque and all the other 'collectors' got a shot at what was left. The employees got zip.

    If you want to see a good documentary that looks at the way companies are run, rent something called 'The Corporation'. Very scary, but sadly, very true.
  6. CD W from Canada writes: Print shop, sounds like the scourge of the buggy whip. You should have seen the writing on the wall.
  7. Free The West from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Wow, Ontario is union heaven. No chance for those evil business men out there.
  8. Likeable Loser? Vote Liberal! from Canada writes:

    Once again Dalton Mcginty believes that the federals need to change laws to protect workers.

    Blame someone else for your incompetance. If the job of running your province is too much then step aside. This is a perfect example of why people are afraid of Harper giving the provinces too much power over their own affairs.

    They can't handle it.
  9. sean smith from Canada writes: Its a myth to think that our labour laws are there for worker's protection. Companies have been using these loop holes for years. Its about time we had a government that put the needs of the people ahead of the billionaires and their corporations.
  10. only mikey from Canada writes: As long as the people of Ontario keep the present premier in office there will be little investment in the province.
  11. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: Gun crimes in Toronto...blame Ottawa. GM closes transmission plant in Windsor...blame Ottawa. Health care shortfalls...blame Ottawa. High corporate taxes in Ontario...blame Ottawa. Severance pay problems...blame Ottawa. Ontario can be proud of electing someone as consistent and dependable as McGuinty.
  12. Martin Reid from Hamilton, Canada writes: Given the scenario Howard H paints the better solution would be to amend the act to base it on some sort of median number of employees over say 3,4 or 5 years and leave the payroll size where it is
  13. Cowtown boy from Calgary, Canada writes: Free The West from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Wow, Ontario is union heaven. No chance for those evil business men out there

    That's why BC does so well Mr BC boy, because it truly is the union heaven of Canada.
  14. Kathleen Degelder from Tacomawashington, Canada writes: Harvey Mushman: Good post. It is funny in a sad way but true.
  15. Bob Smitherman from Canada writes: All of you criticizing McGuinty are therefore in favour of screwing tenured employees of a decent severance package when a company suddenly closes their doors. So you agree that it's moraly wrong for companies larger than 50 employees, but OK for companies with less than 50 employees? Kind of a double standard isn't it? Where is your moral fibre that you're all renowned for?
  16. Gordon Murray from Canada writes: Perhaps that 'drop down below 50 employees' company will see a 'wind up' deeming with punitive resound.
    Far past research?
    Sounds like lively litigation fiction opp.:
    'M'lud, while it might appear to the uneducated that the sudden fall to 48 employees might have SEEMED to have been made with severance payment (or net savings...or...) evasion that surely is simply avoidance at best/worst/most/least, we will prove, and/or there will be fallings short of sufficient provings towards reprovings, that the costs submissions will have practically written themselves prior final gavel's wood clacking.
  17. AJ Flint from Canada writes: Remember those jokes people used to tell about 'kids in the Nike plants'? ('and .10 cents, to make sneakers?) Well folks; we are well on the way to having those 'kids'....be us. HE BETTER BE CLOSING THESE LOOPHOLES, or We are going to be competetive...... with Singapore! Unless you OWN majority in a corporation, or a giant factory, which can withstand huge corporate pressure; you better wake up FAST. 'Globalization'.....the next push. (Is the name 'Hitler' anywhere on the world trade boards?) Unemployment is down. The 'Working poor' is up. Maybe someone should start the math. Population control.....on a world scale. Now, if you dont mind, I am going to go refit my tinfoil. :P (Seriously though; we're competing with third world industry. I guess the Third world has its charms) Please stop.
  18. Don Portz from Trochu AB, Canada writes: Although it would be nice to see some reasoable protection for employees where the company specifically uses loopholes to avoid severance pay, I suspect many are the result of companies going bankrupt with no assets to pay in any event. Also to place employees ahead of Bank's secured assets will cerainly reduce the availbility of credit to these companies and further restrict investment.

    As with all financial problems, there is no easy or one solution to a problem.
  19. Brian C from Canada writes: How come the G&M isn't reporting on the story about McGuinty giving General Motors $250,000,000 even though GM is closing plants in Ontario?

    Talk about throwing good money after bad.
  20. Honesty is the best Policy from Canada writes:
    The Ontario premier and The head of the Ontario NDP are talking about amending a provincial act, the Employment Standards Act. They are also saying the Federal Government needs to amend a federal law the Bankruptcy Act.

    Too bad posters here can't read BEFORE they post.
  21. only mikey from Canada writes: Brian C--answer to your question Re: G&M---Because they are aLIberal rag!
  22. Dwayne Allan from Canada writes: Seems that Tories can't read. This is about companies from the States in many cases who deliberately come here, thin the work force to less than 50 employees and then shut the doors while taking everything but their responsibilities and employees back south with them. You badmouth the Libs for chasing away businesses?? They had no interest in staying in the first place, but you apparently have no problem with them coming and raping Ontario's workforce of their hard-earned severance pays.

    You also harp about McGuinty putting proper blame/onus on Ottawa. Like they haven't taken a page from the Harper Party's own book. ('The Liberals. The Liberals, The Liberals')The only difference is, McGuinty is right. Since Harper has been in power, Ontario has been the chit list of the Cons 'who do we help' programs. Of course if this was a PC province things would be much different. But then again, the worse they make things for McGuinty, the better chance that Flaherty has to govern after he fails in the next Fed election.

    Brian C, in case you missed it, the $250M has been mentioned many times in various media reports, including the G&M, when the Windsor layoffs were announced. McGuinty's reply was that he/they couldn't put too many strings attached to the deal or there would have been no expansions. GM had agreed to keeping a minimum number of employees ( I can't recall the exact number) working and they plan to keep their end of that deal.
  23. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Just change the law. I'm tired of hearing about all the CEO's out there pulling in 10's of millions every year in bonuses and all they had to do to earn them was once again reduce the work force and have the remaining staff pick up the slack. When they leave they get another million dollar package.
  24. How stupid can you be to beleive Liberal promises and plans from Canada writes: Thank God Dalton is on this case! We can expect some real action and leadership now on this issue.....Its a safe bet Dalton will apply his uni- solution ...BAN companies with less then 50 employees

    What a loser!
  25. jack Bauer from Canada writes: Dwayne Allen Mcguinty still wasted our money, but look on the bright side he got all of that and more back through the so called health premium (funny it still goes into general revenues) oh well like all good liberals your lighter wallet will help you sleep at night, thinking for all that money I must have made a difference, hahaha!
  26. D J from Canada writes: While they're updating the ESA maybe the Ministry of Labour and Minister could start to enforce the requirement to pay public holiday pay in Ontario, ESPECIALLY, since the WSIB, an agency directly under the MOL's control is not doing so for care givers of injured workers. This has been going on since they changed the ESA in 2000 but I guess they forgot that once you make a rule you need to ENFORCE IT!
  27. Dwayne Allan from Canada writes: Jack Bauer, at least we get something for our money. Unlike when the Harrisment Party were in power.

    Geez and I haven't heard of McGuinty having to sell any highways or give any of his buddies fire sale deals on prime T.O. properties just so he can say he made a balanced budget. This during one of Ontario's biggest economic times. Oh wait, they left us a deficit.

    Taking into consideration that the Liberals are still spending to make up for all the cuts and transfers by the Tories, Ontario isn't doing too bad. Unless you ask Tim Hudac, who is still whining that McGuinty hasn't fixed all of the Tories damaging policies that are hurting many of his own constituents.
  28. The Special One... I Am Fantastic from From I am on Setanta Sports, Canada writes: Harvey Mushman, you missed one factor - McGuinty is from Ottawa so it truly is his fault LOL
  29. Judy Green from Toronto, Canada writes: John Tory, please retire. You are useless.

    First the religious school fiasco, and now you want to gib workers out of their severance packages, after years of service.

    As far as I am concerned, there should be no protection for employers from having to pay severance packages, regardless of the size of the business.

    John Tory. Please resign. Nobody wants you.
  30. Babbleon ! from Sarnia, Canada writes: GM will gladly pay severance 250M worth, GM loves Dalton!
  31. Stand up for Social Justice The Canadian Way from Canada writes: The Employment Standards Act does very little to protect workers in Ontario. Mr Tory, did not your party change the rules so workers cannot organize as easily? Do not your party put the Elect to Work legislation into effect, that now denies many workers who are trapped in the temp industry to not be paid stat holiday pay, overtime pay, paid low wages, not a living wage, no benefits, no pensions or the ability to save for retirement. I had one who refused to give me a ROE! Did not your party change the rules so those making the transition from Social assitance to work to have no rights under the ESA while in your workfare programs? Did not your party change to the rules so that now we have not for profits administering your victoria era rules, while receiving funds from the taxpayers for the useless programs the fail to deal with real issues in the workplace, such as workplace bullying, aging in the workplace, Free Trade, NAFTA and so on? Nope, you have a bunch of goons which revel in keeping people in poverty, while the elites live in luxury. Heck, we might as well have work houses, right??? What has McQuinty done? NOTHING!!!!, except to give himself a 25% raise, while telling those who are the most marginalize 'YOU' must go without. Hey get real, the business lobby does NOT make a community nor should they have the loudest voice. The politicians seem to forget the 'PEOPLE'.
  32. jack Bauer from Canada writes: Dwayne buddy, McGuinty has had an increase in his term of over 20 billion revenues compared to Harris (balancing a budget made easy), yes and under the McGuinty government we did get some things:

    --Regular indian (and government approved) blockades (wait till this summer)
    --the biggest tax increase in Ontario's history
    --A non measurable improvement in health care for only 2.5 billion a year!
    --A greenbelt that panders to developers and punishes farmers
    --A 2 billion dollar investment in an auto industry that just announced they are moving out
    --tHE BIGGEST PRIVATELY BUILT HOSPITAL IN ONTARIO'S HISTORY.YES THATS RIGHT PRIVATE INDUSTRY IS PROFITING IN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM UNDER OLD FERRET FACE
    --A government that sanctioned taxation powers to muncipal governments...which will be ferret faces true lasting legacy

    I could go on !!
  33. KD Duck from Windsor, Canada writes: These are the laws the Liberals have put in force. Ontario is the highest taxed and regulated Province in Canada. Business is tired of being forced and will constantly look for loopholes.
    Too bad there wasn't initiative to keep business here instead of trying to penalize them.
  34. Vote NDP in the next federal/ provincial election from Toronto, Canada writes: I want all loopholes in regards to severance to be closed. These workers didn't do anything to deserve layoffs so why is it that they have to suffer with no economic certainty while the major firms close and outsource to third world countries. This is just wrong.

    Companies whether big or small should pay their employees severance so that way they would have some economic security in order to find another job. These workers didn't deserve to be laid off.
  35. Peter Ochodo from Montreal, Canada writes: Dalton is doing great defending his electorate's severance packages. I support this. However, I feel it would be great if he adopted a tone and policies that woed companies to Ontario, why? Low cost countries are doing just this.
  36. P. Greig from Kingston, Canada writes: GM of Canada Receives Ontario's Environmental Leader Designation: April 26, 2008

    http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news/2008/04/26/
    gmofcanadareceivesontariosenvironmentalleader_designation.html

    Ontario Centres of Excellence: current

    http://www.oce-ontario.org/Pages/Home.aspx

    Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation: current

    http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/ResearchFund.asp

    The Ontario Innovation Trust: current

    http://www.oit.on.ca/Pages/AboutOIT.html
  37. Old Fart from Edmonton, Canada writes: How about lowering the number of employees to 1 and the payroll to the current minimum wage? Any other solution is just discrimination based on class and income.

    .
  38. Yogie Bear from The Forest, Canada writes: Close all loopholes.

    Slam them shut than bury them, than bury the shovel you buried the loopholes with.

    It is only the right thing to do.

    IMHO
  39. sean smith from Canada writes: Great post 'Stand up for Social Justice'. The only thing I would add to the list is the Harris era 60 work week. That's right an employer was able to force someone to work for up top 60 hours per week without any overtime. That great 'friend' of the workers Dalton lowered it to 44 hours. He has also refused to undo Harris' barriers for workers to join unions and anyone who challenges him is called 'far left' (obviously he forgot the system asked to be re-instated was the same that existed since John Robarts was the tory Premier in the 50's and continued through to Harris).

    These two parties refuse to show even a quarter of the interest in the workers that they do for the millionaire CEO's and their own pay raises. Our working conditions are deteriorating to levels not seen in two generations. Back then they formed unions and its about time we started forcing governments to care about worker's issues as much as they do about their Bay Street friend's yachts.
  40. jack Bauer from Canada writes: Sean Smith = Lazy
  41. Stand up for Social Justice The Canadian Way from Canada writes: Jack Bauer: Why do you say the someone is lazy for standing up for workers rights? The fact is that many of your fellow Ontarians are struggling due to the archaic policies of the government, implemented by the Harris regime and very little undone by McQuinty. If we are to have poverty reduction, then issues such as a lving wage, being apid for the work that one does in accordance the the labour laws, which currently fails many people. Personally, I think you need to go through the system to see just actually how 'wonderful' it is. Can I wave a magic wand and make you unemployed and unable to find work? I am sure that you will find living on $548.00 per month completely unacceptable when one has to find work, shelter and food on such a paltry amount, that is akin to the workhouse mentality that you seem to promote.
  42. Emma Hawthorne from Canada writes: The whole idea is to prevent economic disruption. Loading up employers with more duties will provide a disincentive, which might be justified, but govenrment should focus even more on creating programs that provide a smooth transition for employees, without economic upheaval.
  43. AJ Flint from Kitchener, Canada writes: 'I feel it would be great if he adopted a tone and policies that woed companies to Ontario, why? Low cost countries are doing just this'

    Ya, I want to be on the same level as Thailand and Singapore for quality of living. If they are doing it; we MUST follow suit.

    Wait....why are we changing our way, and competing with countries who have quality of life that we have decimated for years?

    Are we simply bored of success?
  44. jack Bauer from Canada writes: Stand up I will never go hungry, if there is no work in my chosen field I will wash dishes or dig ditches.....I won't worry or waste time so many doon how much I get paid for doing nothing...remember an empty stomach is a great motivator..now lets get back to work
  45. Sean L. from Toronto, the capital of corruption, Canada writes: The only vow I am interested in hearing from Dolton, is his vow to move to another planet and resign his office....
  46. Wilma De Bruyn from Toronto, Canada writes: Greg Out West from Canada writes: Just change the law. I'm tired of hearing about all the CEO's out there pulling in 10's of millions every year in bonuses and all they had to do to earn them was once again reduce the work force and have the remaining staff pick up the slack. When they leave they get another million dollar package.
    Posted 13/05/08 at 5:31 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

    And CEO's still have secretaries doing HOW MUCH WORK????
    And who ends up with the Bonuses???
    Nothing has changed since the 60's only more work less benefits.

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