Local businesswomen discuss challenges in today’s world
Oshawa MP Colin Carrie was joined by federal PC) deputy leader Lisa Raitt (centre) in hosting a recent roundtable with local businesswomen in Oshawa. Also pictured is Nancy Shaw, CEO of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by Dave Flaherty)
By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express
Government red tape and increased wage costs are among some of the pressures local business owners claim to face in today’s market.
Oshawa MP Colin Carrie and federal Conservative Deputy Leader Lisa Raitt engaged with local businesswomen during a “women in business” roundtable on June 15.
Raitt, who was involved with the Toronto Port Authority before gaining federal office, says her grandmother was one of the first businesswomen in her hometown of Sydney, Nova Scotia.
She stated the purpose of the roundtable was to gain insight into the business world of the eastern-GTA and learn challenges faced by job creators.
Joining in on the meeting were businesswomen in fields ranging from publishing, transportation, entertainment, financial services, real estate and restaurants.
Nancy Shaw, executive director of the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, says measures under Bill 148, Ontario’s Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, significantly affected business.
“It’s exasperating for business owners,” Shaw said, adding that an increase to minimum wage has caused the most concern.
It was also noted by several of those in attendance that they’ve had to cut back on hiring and are taking on more of the workload themselves.
Sylvia Rhodes of Ritchie Transportation Group, a trucking/logistics company, said workers who had previously made considerably more than minimum wage are now asking for raises, and may consider taking on minimum wage jobs that may be less stressful.
Tracy Roulston with Marigold Ford described the process of obtaining a business license in Ontario as “ridiculous”, while Carla Holland of Cupcake Goodness Inc. noted she found there were numerous “hidden fees” when starting up.
“We’re up to here in bureaucracy,” Rhodes added.
Raitt said that when it comes to business, the more hands-off the government can be the better.
“We think we do great jobs setting up programs,” she said. “The government is that silent partner. Get us out of the picture and give businesses free reign to create ideas and employment.”