The Brampton Board of Trade and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are cautioning lawmakers against reforms to Ontario’s Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA), as well as the introduction of a $15 minimum wage.

In a recent letter sent to Premier Kathleen Wynne, the organizations stressed that proposed reforms to the LRA and ESA could greatly impact jobs and the future investment of companies in the area.

Todd Letts, Brampton Board of Trade CEO, said the sweeping changes could have severe consequences on the local economy.

“We are concerned about unintended consequences,” Letts said, according to an announcement. “Where are the economic impact analyses? These sweeping changes could seriously impact job creation and the health of our local economy in Brampton.”

Letts said the changes could reduce opportunities for all residents of Ontario.

“The proposed changes would discourage investment in Ontario and diminish economic opportunities for all Ontarians,” said Letts. “Politics cannot drive decision-making, evidence must.”

Ontario’s Chamber of Commerce interim-president and CEO, Richard Koroscil, reiterated the concerns over the reforms and the impact they could have on future growth.

“We are urging Premier Wynne to complete an economic impact analysis of the proposed reforms to limit potential consequences that could seriously jeopardize our future growth,” Koroscil said. “We support reform where and when it is needed but we caution against change for change’s sake.”

The groups point out that data from recent studies which show that 76 percent of part-time workers choose part-time work voluntarily to accommodate their schooling or personal life.