Family Day Could Cost Taxpayers Millions
Tuesday January 8, 2008
Dalton McGuinty believes workers in Ontario need more time off to spend with their families, and he's intent on making it happen, creating a new holiday on February 18th called Family Day. But while the day off may save you a trip to the workplace, it won't come without a cost. The Liberal government's plan will hit taxpayers for millions of dollars, with Toronto alone footing a bill of nearly $5 million.
Business owners are complaining about lost revenue, and there have also been concerns about increased costs to clear roads if it should happen to snow on the 18th, since cities would have increased pay for anyone called in to work on a holiday.
McGuinty admits there are still "some wrinkles" to be worked out, but is determined to see the plan through.
"We had a bit of a consultation on the issue during the course of the past provincial election. And Ontarians spoke very clearly. I am convinced that if they can do it in places like Alberta and B.C ... then we can do it here in a way that does not compromise or hinder progress that we make when it comes to enhancing our competitiveness and our productivity," he said.
"If you were to take the time and talk to the men and women who work here, I would argue that one of the most important and treasured times in their life is time with those people they love."
"It turns out, as well, that a rested worker and a happy worker is a productive worker. So I'm convinced that we can find a way to make this happen."
Another potential problem with the plan -- many unionized workers will not get the day off unless their contract specifically allows for an additional holiday. And some are actually being asked to give up another of their statutory holidays in exchange.\
Holiday traffic ticket fiasco?
Family Day's speedy implementation may result in T.O. bylaw and parking infractions being thrown out
Thousands of traffic tickets in Toronto alone may be thrown out thanks to Premier Dalton McGuinty's hasty post-election declaration of a new holiday for Ontarians.Dalton's Valentine treat
Mon, January 7, 2008
Family Day means an extra long February weekend for students, and 1 less teaching day, too
Back to work in January got you down? Don't worry. Now there's something to look forward to: Only six more weeks until Family Day.
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