Premier hears of NAFTA concerns
Wynne describes U.S. President Donald Trump as wild card on trade issues amid tariff talk
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she is optimistic that despite the potential demise of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the province will still protect its business groups from any economic fallout.
“There were partnerships before NAFTA, there will be partnerships after NAFTA,” said Wynne during her Ancaster town hall event at the Ancaster Fairgrounds Tuesday night, which attracted about 175 people, even though there were seats for 250.
As United States President Donald Trump threatens to level a 25 per cent tariff on steel and a 10 per cent tariff on aluminum, Wynne acknowledged she was “concerned” about the possible impact on Ontario jobs, including in Hamilton.
“There are so many sectors that would be affected,” said Wynne. But she said Trump could change his mind about tariffs and trade agreements, so the province needs to be prepared for anything.
“We just don’t know what will come out of the White House.”
Just like at her other five town hall meetings, the more than 20 questions Wynne answered ranged from helping injured workers, protecting Ancaster’s raw water source, support for Bill 145, which would improve workers’ coverage of personal support employees in residential care facilities, taking care of elderly parents, mental health access, marijuana legalization and the minimum wage.
Wynne said in response to raising the minimum wage to $15, the province has added more inspectors to police employers who try to cut workers’ wages.
Cameron Prosic, 15, a Grade 10 student at Sir John A Macdonald School in downtown Hamilton, which is scheduled to be closed, asked why the government forces school boards to close schools rather than repair facilities.
Wynne defended her government’s policy of school closures. She said the Ontario government has spent $18 billion to build new schools, while also repairing existing institutions.
The premier did get into a heated exchanged with Vikki Smythe, an owner of a Hamilton marijuana dispensary, arguing the province’s marijuana plan is “undercutting the black market” and provide safe cannabis.
Smythe criticized the Liberals for “criminalizing law-abiding citizens” for selling medical marijuana. She said her business has been raided by police.
Cathy McMaster of Flamborough said it was important to attend the town hall to listen to the premier regardless if she didn’t agree with her views or policies. “I’m very concerned about the rising debt,” said McMaster, who is a Tory supporter. “Six generations will not be able to pay for it.”
Gary Howe, president of Hamilton Steelworkers Local 1005, led more than 30 people, including from Sears Canada, which recently closed, in a protest about bankruptcy legislation outside the Ancaster Fairgrounds to remind Wynne about her commitment to protecting workers.
“People here are standing up for their rights.”