Premier Wynne Visits Woodstock

Thursday, 27 July 2017 14:05

Premier Wynne didn't offer much in terms of a comment on minimum wage and the Wettlaufer inquiry.

WOODSTOCK - Premier Kathleen Wynne made a brief pit stop in Woodstock this morning on her way to St. Thomas.

She met with the local BIA and toured a couple of local businesses before checking out the Downtown Woodstock Farmers Market. Wynne did not offer a lot of time with the press, only responding to two questions. This was her response when asked about visiting small businesses, some who will be the most impacted by the minimum wage increase.

"Nobody raised it with me, I know thought that there are small businesses that are worried about the transition and we have made a commitment to put in place some supports to help that transition and we will be bringing that out in the fall."

Downtown BIA Manager Kelly Morrison admits she thought the minimum wage topic would have come up more during the visit.

"To be honest I was surprised, however we were late getting started and we kind of had to rush through the two business owners that I knew might of asked that question or brought it up but I think they might have just been enjoying the moment with her. She's very engaging and she is a lovely lady, and she was interested in their business and what brought them there and I think people were engaging in that and then those questions that are usually top of mind kind of go to the wayside. I did ask Mary, he assistant on the walk back and she will definitely share our comments."

Wynne was also asked about Elizabeth Wettlaufer and why hasn't the government released any details into the Wettlaufer inquiry.

"Well first of all let me just say how great it is to be in Woodstock and what a great morning we have had, visiting businesses and hearing about what's happening on the main street and hearing about what is happening in the town. Good things are happening in Woodstock and it was a pleasure to meet some of the entrepreneurs on the street. In terms of the inquiry, we are putting it in place, we have committed to doing an inquiry and the terms of reference and all of the details will be made public."

Wynne was only in town for about an hour today.