Chamber of Commerce Study says impact of proposed minimum wage increase will be significant and sudden

A proposed minimum wage increase will have a sudden and significant impact on the economy.

This is according to a study involving the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

The study, which was commissioned by the Ontario Chamber says approximately 185,000 jobs in the province will be at risk.

The province is considering raising the minimum wage from just over $11.00 an hour to $15.00 by 2019.

Haliburton Highlands Chamber President Richard Wannan says a 32 per cent increase in under 18 months will hurt businesses and consumers.

Wannan adds municipalities and townships in the county will also feel the effect of the proposed wage increase.

Wannan says the Haliburton chamber supports upping the minimum wage but not in such a short period.