April 17, 2023
Will the government withdraw it’s appeal of Bill 124?
France Gélinas, NDP Health critic, asked the Premier if his government will respect Ontario’s health care workers, and withdraw the appeal of Bill 124.
“My question is for the Premier. Speaker, it has been over 3 long years since this government introduced Bill 124. Does the Premier think freezing the wages of essential workers during a pandemic is a good recruitment and retention strategy? In hindsight does he think it was a good idea?”
Since 2019, nurses, PSWs and other healthcare workers, and many other public servants have had their total compensation capped at 1% increase per year.
“Although the Premier does not think our “health care heroes” deserve a raise; it turns out both employers and employees agree on retroactive pay for work done during the pandemic. Nurses and paramedics, are being awarded back pay as we speak.”
The time has come for this Premier to start working for workers; to treat our health care workers as heroes. Will the Premier withdraw his appeal of Bill 124?”
Bill 124 was found to be unconstitutional on November 29, 2022, after which the provincial government decided to appeal the court ruling.