Sarnia-Lambton's Conservative MPP says he's all for helping small businesses thrive, but is skeptical of the timing of a Liberal announcement to cut "red tape".
Last Thursday, the province introduced legislation to reduce regulatory costs, lower the number of inspections for companies with good compliance records, allow electronic transfering of documents, and make it easier to obtain a pesticide licence.
Bob Bailey says the Liberals have had 15 years in power to make such a bill, but haven't done so.
He believes it's political posturing with an election coming up in 2018.
"I've heard numerous times from businesses in Sarnia-Lambton, and across the province, that say life is harder under this government and they could certainly use a break on regulations," says Bailey. "You know, I'm somewhat suspicious eight months before the provincial election that all of a sudden they're interested in cutting red tape."
Bailey says the PCs will now review the legislation in the caucus and suggest possible amendments.
He expects it to be debated in the House of Commons in a few weeks.