News Ontario Election
Feb 21, 2025 • 1
Liberal candidate Ashley Fox, Green candidate Ian Morton, Progressive Conservative candidate Matthew Rae and NDP candidate Jason Davis took part in a Thursday all-candidates meeting hosted by Stratford’s chamber of commerce. Bill Atwood/Beacon Herald jpg, SF, apsmc
On Thursday at the Stratford Rotary Complex, four candidates running for election in Perth-Wellington engaged in a debate covering important topics like housing, mental health, and support for local businesses.
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The event was organized by the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce. The candidates answered questions from Craig Thompson of Ballinran Entertainment and audience members on various issues. During the one-and-a-half hour discussion, Jason Davis from the NDP, Liberal Ashley Fox, Green Party’s Ian Morton and Matthew Rae from the Progressive Conservatives shared their visions for Perth-Wellington and Ontario.
Here are summarized answers to five questions that were asked during the debate. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
What specific policies will you implement to support small businesses in our region, ensuring that they remain competitive and have access to the resources they need to grow?
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Davis: To help small businesses facing challenges from outside our region, we plan to eliminate barriers for interprovincial trade. We’re also considering establishing a joint provincial-federal task force that would provide funding for small businesses affected by tariffs. Additionally, we’ll work on lifting restrictions on management systems in agriculture.
Rae: When we formed government in 2018, we reduced the small business tax rate. In 2022 and again this year.. when there’s a surplus with WSIB funds available-this goes back into small businesses so they can invest it back into their workforce. For instance, in 2025 alone over $2 billion will be available. A typical company with about 50 employees can expect around $46,000 returned to them that year to reinvest as needed. We will acknowledge all work certificates related to interprovincial trade too. We’re committed to facilitating free movement of goods as much as possible at the provincial level.
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Morton: Our goal is to raise the employer health tax exemption limit to $1.5 million for small businesses so they can create more jobs. We’ll also standardize leases so that all small enterprises are treated fairly across different agreements. Collaborating with insurance companies is essential as we aim for affordable commercial insurance options too while removing unnecessary red tape. Furthermore, we’ll encourage new buyers and employees interested in purchasing existing businesses; this keeps our business community thriving! It’s equally vital that we pay attention to our farmers who are fundamental contributors-we have numerous local initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural sustainability while ensuring food security.
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Davis:: We want half-cutting taxes aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs along with significantly increasing grants meant specifically for new hires or investment into technology-aiding these firms’ growth capabilities through providing accessible financial assistance whenever feasible!
The other priorities include addressing healthcare needs alongside educational resources infrastructure improvements-these areas require immediate attention if we’re going ensure continued progress among smaller firms within our communities moving forward!
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