— MPP Blais’ Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by LocalLeaders Act, has been voted down by the Ford Government —
QUEEN’S PARK – Stephen Blais, MPP for Orléans and Liberal Critic for Municipal Affairs & Housing, released the following statement in response to the Ford Government voting against the Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, at Second Reading:
“I am deeply disappointed that the Ford Government has flip-flopped on this important non-partisan piece of legislation. The government talks about combatting harassment and abuse in the workplace, but voted against legislation that would strengthen protections against egregious workplace harassment.”
“Over 150 municipalities across the province, representing over 60% of the Ontario population, support Bill 5. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) have also supported the principles included in Bill 5.
“It’s clear that victims of workplace harassment and violence want these measures enacted into law. It’s also evident that municipalities across Ontario want to see these measures enacted into law. The Opposition Parties at Queen’s Park want these measures enacted into law. Ontarians want to see these measures enacted into law. The only segment of Ontario who doesn’t want these measures enacted into law are the perpetrators and the Ford Government.”
“This is a non-partisan issue, and the government should not be playing partisan games at the risk of continued workplace harassment. I am calling on the Ford Government to immediately introduce their own legislation, with the same measures, to ensure we hold municipally elected officials accountable for workplace harassment.”
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