when you combine this with the efforts to extend retirement age to 70 and over, it's very clear that our politicians, but specifically gop conservatives, are hell-bent on sacrificing the population at the altar of capitalism. they want us to start working earlier and to work longer into our lives, all while not paying a living wage and raising the price of just about everything. it is the continuing evil of capitalism run amok.
Advocates who met with minister earlier this month says Christine Elliott told them she wasn’t involved in drafting Bill 47, which rolls back labour reforms.
The Ministry of Health was not consulted about the health impacts of proposed new legislation to remove Ontario workers’ right to two paid sick days despite extensive literature showing the policy’s public health implications, according to three individuals who met with health minister and deputy premier Christine Elliott earlier this month.
The Nov. 6 meeting with Elliott about Bill 47, which proposes significant changes to workplace standards, was attended by emergency room physician Jesse McLaren, Fight for $15 organizer Jessa McLean, and Katherine Grzejszczak, president of CUPE Local 905, which represents York Region municipal employees, including front-line health-care professionals.
All three separately told the Star that when presented with evidence about the public health benefits of paid sick days, Elliott responded by saying she had not been consulted about the Conservative government’s new legislation. Organizer McLean said when pressed on the health implications of the bill, Elliott said neither she nor her ministry were involved in its drafting.
“That surprised us because we knew the impact it would have on the Ministry of Health,” said McLean.
“She said I wasn’t involved in this, you should check with the labour ministry — they’re the ones who drafted this legislation,” said McLaren, who works at Toronto General Hospital and is involved with the Decent Work and Health Network, which seeks to address health equity issues.
“That was kind of a shocking statement from the health minister and the deputy premier.”
