Belleville business hosts public event to discuss minimum wage

Andy Hanson, of the Workers Help Centre in Belleville, presents his case to have Ontario’s minimum wage increased to $14 an hour to the Minimum Wage Advisory Panel in 2013. Photo by Tyson Leonard.

By Olivia Timm

BELLEVILLE – Small business owners around the Quinte area will learn tonight how the new minimum wage in Ontario will affect their companies.

The evening’s event will focus on accounting and bookkeeping practices, as well as what businesses can expect when filing taxes.

A presentation will be held at the Belleville Share Centre, located at 269 Front St., from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This event is the second of its kind – the first was held in July.

According to a press release, the purpose of this discussion is to educate the public and these businesses about the impact of the wage.

As of Oct. 1, Ontario’s minimum wage is set to increase to $11.60.

The increase in minimum wage was mandated under Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces Better Jobs Act.

Kevin Flynn, Ontario Minister of Labour, posted a press release on July 10th regarding the relationship between businesses and the province.  

“Studies show that a higher minimum wage results in less employee turnover, which increases business productivity. It also boosts the economy through the improved purchasing power of thousands of workers,” it said.