Premier Doug Ford argued this week that Bill 124 does not exist, despite his government’s attempt to appeal a superior court decision which struck down the wage suppression legislation.
Two weeks ago, the province filed an appeal of the court decision which found the bill to be unconstitutional.
Bill 124 capped pay increases for most pubic sector workers at one per cent for a three year period, and went into effect shortly before the global pandemic.
Internal government documents obtained by Global News through FOI that show the Ministry of Health knew that Bill 124 has been a barrier in retaining nurses. Still Ford argues they can’t be putting more money into healthcare.
“I always have to be a prudent fiscal manager with the tax payers money. We can’t be out there spending willy nilly. People are working their backs off, they are taxed to their brink right now.” said Ford at a press conference Wednesday.
The Ontario government had a $2.1-billion surplus in 2021-22.
The financial accountability office found the government might have to dish out $8.4 billion in salaries if the court challenge landed in favour of the workers.
