NDP MPP and Employment Standards Critic Cheri DiNovo is challenging the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’ claim that raising the minimum wage will hurt small businesses in Ontario.

“All hard working Ontarians deserve a minimum living wage that lifts them out poverty, not one that keeps them there. The argument that raising the minimum wage will hurt small business is patently false,” said DiNovo. “Research on the minimum wage demonstrates that people with moderate incomes will spend their wages in their communities and that’s good for the local economy.”

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo slammed today’s advisory board recommendation that borrowing costs for payday loans be capped at $21 per $100.

“Today’s announcement is business as usual for the McGuinty government. This report only rubber stamps what payday lenders are already doing and will still allow usurious interest rates to be charged to the most marginalized Ontarians,” said DiNovo.

Parkdale-High Park NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo is calling for the implementation of primary prevention programs in elementary schools across the province to help address the problem of child abuse in Ontario.

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo is pressing for amendments to the Employment Standards Act to end discrimination against part-time and temporary workers who receive less pay for the same work performed by permanent, full-time workers.

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo is calling for amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to address the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for front-line paramedics, firefighters and police officers.

NDP Women’s Critic Cheri DiNovo is calling for an all-party women’s committee to examine violence against women in recognition of Women Abuse Prevention Month.

“It's not enough to simply acknowledge a Women Abuse Prevention Month. We need to proactively act to address the root causes of violence against women,” said DiNovo.