The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), has pledged its support for a private members bill that will exempt employers, including new car dealers from paying the Ontario College of Trades’ new business tax. The bill was introduced at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by Simcoe North Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Garfield Dunlop.
The proposed legislation would eliminate sections 7 and 3.36 in the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009. This would exempt employers from having to join the College of Trades and pay the employer trades tax. If these changes are not made, employers may be forced to start paying the College’s business tax beginning next year.
Dunlop, who holds a plumber’s licence, has been a vocal opponent of the trades tax citing the fact that it adds further complexity and cost to skilled trades. He says that since the Ontario College of Trades came into existence in April, the tax has seen licensing fees increase by 600 per cent. He also acknowledges the serious potential problem this presents for employers (including new car dealers), of finding and retaining skilled tradespeople.
“The retail auto sector is having a difficult enough time finding the next generation of automotive technicians,” Dunlop said. “A business tax will create a barrier to entering the skilled trades. I urge the Liberals and NDP to support small businesses and skilled trades employers like new car dealers and immediately pass my No New Tax for Businesses Act to kill this new business tax.”
Frank Notte, director of government relations for TADA added that “the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association congratulates MPP Dunlop for supporting the skilled trades and employers by introducing the No New Tax for Businesses Act. We urge all parties in the Ontario Legislature to support the Bill and stop this looming business tax on new car dealers and other skilled trade employers.”
