Oakville - Oakville based Entripy Custom Clothing’s CEO Jas Brar applauds Ontario’s new legislation (Bll 148) that updates employees standards, supports fairness across all industries and sets a higher standard for businesses across the province, allowing everyone to compete fairly and in an open market.

When Ontario’s Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act of 2017 was announced by Premiere Kathleen Wynne last May, the Act was applauded by workers for the promise of a living wage and improved job security protections, but was also met with concern from independent business owners who argued a higher minimum wage would hurt their bottom line.

“Even before this legislation, Entripy was paying more than minimum wage,” says Brar, who operates Entripy Custom Clothing out of Oakville, Ontario. “We don’t have to adjust our wages to meet the new legislation because we are already paying the proposed wage changes.”

Prior to the announcement of Bill 148, Entripy embarked on a strategy to improve wages and workplace standards. “We were ahead of the curve,” says Brar. In order to compete for high quality talent in a competitive labour market, Entripy raised wages, improved group health benefits and adjusted hours of work to promote a better work-life balance. “We’re a high-growth company and we have to grow with quality people,” explains Brar.

In the past 12 months, Entripy has created 50 new full-time jobs, raising the total number of full-time staff members to 145. New employees include a mix of recent graduates, skilled professionals, new immigrants, and individuals who required re-training for a second career after being laid off by a previous employer.

Brar believes the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act is not only beneficial for employees, but creates a level playing field for businesses operating in Ontario. “The better wages, better environment model is not sustainable unless everyone is forced to adapt. Otherwise, it creates an imbalance and makes it hard to compete,” he says.

While some business owners argue the new legislation will push them out of business, Brar says “paying people a living wage will allow more cash flow through the economy which will provide businesses with opportunities to increase sales”.

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To arrange an interview with Entripy’s CEO, Jas Brar, about Bill 148, please e-mail: media@entripy.com or visit www.entripy.com.