Restaurants Canada Welcomes Ontario Government Action on Tax Relief and Support for Vulnerable Workers

Restaurants Canada applauded the Province of Ontario for yesterday’s Fall Economic Statement and the new measures aimed at helping Ontario’s restaurant sector.

“Restaurants Canada commends Minister Bethlenfalvy and the Government of Ontario for yesterday’s Fall Economic Statement (FES) that contains key initiatives that will help the foodservice sector, its employees, and customers,” stated Christian Buhagiar, President and CEO.

“Ontario’s commitment to match property tax reductions for small businesses within all municipalities that adopt the small business property subclass has the potential to bring measurable savings to struggling restaurant operators,” continued Mr. Buhagiar. “This has been a significant point of advocacy for Restaurants Canada.  We thank the Ontario government for taking this important action and hope municipalities will do their part.”

Other key measures include:

• $185 million in income tax relief for small businesses that the Government plans to provide over the next three years.

• The proposal to extend cuts to gas tax to provide ongoing relief to our members and their employees, suppliers, and ultimately customers who will have more money in their pockets to enjoy the meals and experiences provided by restaurants.

• Changes that will allow a person with a disability on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to keep more of the money they earn by increasing the monthly earnings exception from $200 to $1,000 per month. This will help impacted restaurant workers by ensuring that they are better rewarded for their hard work.

Mr. Buhagiar concluded, “Restaurants Canada welcomes these actions announced and we look forward to continuing to work constructively with the government on other initiatives that aim to address labour shortages, inflation, supply chains, and other matters of importance to our members.”

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Media Contact:

Tianna Goguen
Restaurants Canada
416-649-4254
media@restaurantscanada.org