I hire people, pay my taxes, collect HST, and yet I am treated like a criminal

Here’s a comment from a contractor, via email, that was worried that if his name was used, the government regulatory authorities would target his firm, and put him out of business.  He said, call me “Defiant.”  

“I like your magazine very much, especially the Voices section. It is very important to me that you print these comments such as WSIB, Bill 119 and the unfair treatment by the College of Trades onto some contractors. We really need a voice and laws to protect us. We are important too. I hire people, pay my taxes, collect HST, and yet (I am) treated like acriminal. My business is legal, I have over 25 years of experience in the Painting and Decorating business. I am not a weekend or part time contractor who works for cash only. WSIB has no right to use Bill 119 as a tax collection process.

I agree with Chris Langman’s comment in the Sept/Oct issue. “We were both clearly in agreement that if a regular citizen tried the same approach to forcing insurance you would be charged with extortion and racketeering.” I also want to add conflict of interest. Most contractors know this law now, they don’t have their heads in the sand, they have no laws to protect them, the Liberal Party won’t listen to our situation – so what can we do?

Steve, I have stood up for my rights, signed many petitions against Bill 119, sent three letters to our Conservative labour critic at Queen’s Park, went to a debate with Randy Hillier to face (opponents) from the Liberal and NDP party. Ask both parties why they dropped Bill 17. Their response was everybody pays WSIB why do you think you’re so different? You see, they are cowards because they won’t answer a straightforward question. This is another example of why we have unemployment in Ontario. This is a Liberal mistake, this will not stop the underground economy!!!

Looking forward from hearing from you on this issue. If there is another demonstration against this Bill 119, please let me know, I’m in.”