07/08/2015


A) Here are the ongoing consultations that would be of interest to municipal governments.  This list shows the policy area/topic along with the lead Ministry and consultation deadlines.  AMO’s Board of Directors will be approving any submissions to the consultations and will share these with members as they occur.
 

  1. Building Ontario Up - $15 billion infrastructure fund for outside of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas including natural gas expansion – Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure; feedback is requested by September 18, 2015.
  2. Municipal Elections Act Review and Ranked Ballot Consultation – Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; submission deadline is July 27, 2015.
  3. Municipal Legislation Review – the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is reviewing the Municipal Act, the City of Toronto Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Submissions from municipal governments are due on October 31st. All other submissions are due on August 7, 2015.
  4. WSIB Rate Framework Consultation – the Workplace Safety Insurance Board is consulting on a proposed preliminary rate framework to address issues with the current employer classification structure and premium rate setting processes. Submissions are due on October 2, 2015.
  5. The Changing Workplaces Review – the Ministry of Labour is consulting on how the Labour Relations Act, 1995 and Employment Standards Act, 2000 could be amended to best protect workers while supporting businesses in our changing economy. The deadline for submissions is September 18, 2015.
  6. Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy – the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing was consulting on the renewal of Ontario’s housing strategy. The submission deadline was July 3rd, and AMO has submitted a response to the consultation.
B) The following government Bills that relate to municipal government have been sent to Standing Committees and awaiting hearings.
 
  1. Great Lakes Protection Act – Bill 66 passed second reading and has been ordered to Standing Committee on General Government for review.
  2. Smart Growth for our Communities Act – Bill 73 is addressing changes to land use planning and development charges, and is currently in second reading debate.