Minister’s office trashed in protest of wage freeze
Vandalism, death threats are condemned by opposition, Tory MPPs
Premier Doug Ford’s government is aiming to avert more vandalism and death threats after the Lindsay office of Labour Minister Laurie Scott was trashed over legislation to freeze the minimum wage at $14 and eliminate two paid sick days for Ontario workers.
“We all know there are going to be sensitive times ahead, but this crossed a line,” Government House Leader Todd Smith said Wednesday, noting the premier and Economic De- velopment Minister Jim Wilson received death threats.
Scott’s constituency office in her cottage-country riding of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes— Brock had its front plate glass window and door smashed in, chairs overturned and graffiti reading “Attack workers We fight back $15” spray-painted on a nearby wall Tuesday night.
“I believe in democratic and peaceful protest and debate, but we will not tolerate vandalism, intimidation or bullying,” Scott told reporters, defending the Making Ontario Open for Business Act that would repeal several key elements of the previous Liberal government’s 2017 labour reforms that were to boost the minimum wage to $15 in January.
“I’m very proud of the piece of legislation that we have brought in. It’s fairness for workers and for businesses in the province of Ontario. It’s open for jobs.” The vandalism is under investigation by Kawartha Lakes police.
Smith called on labour organizations to condemn the damage to Scott’s office and blamed them for it, even though authorities have made no arrests. He cited remarks from Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) president Chris Buckley that Ford is an “enemy toward workers” for reversing elements of the Liberal labour law modernization and to “stay tuned” for further action.
The OFL said Smith’s attack is off base, while opposition parties said he was out of line given the premier’s often fiery comments about political foes.
“I want to be clear, the Ontario Federation of Labour does not support or condone violence against persons or property in any form,” Buckley said in a statement.
Interim Liberal leader John Fraser and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath condemned the vandalism and death threats. Horwath said people have to “protest peacefully.”