By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Ontario PC’s agriculture critic, Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman rose in the legislature Monday, to question Premier Kathleen Wynne on the supposed four per cent increase to ministry salaries for 2013-14.
According to government documents, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Rural Affairs budget estimates show salaries and wage increase of $3.63 million, an increase of more than four per cent over 2012-2013.
Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP), an insurance program for farmers has been capped. Hardeman asked Premier Wynne, “How do you explain to those farmers that there was no more money to help them, but you were able to find enough money to increase salaries and benefits at OMAFRA by more than 4%?”
Wynne fired back saying, “I would suggest the Member opposite check public accounts as the Ministry actually shows a decrease in salaries and benefits. I’ve always been clear: there is no room for wage increase. The average annual wage increase for BPS is only 0.2% - this is a de facto wage freeze. MPPs are leading by example with a five year wage freeze.”
Hardeman challenged the premier to put forward what he calls a “real plan” for the Fall Economic Update which is scheduled for Nov. 7.