AMO’s advocacy focuses on ensuring that provincial policies and programs respect municipal authority.

AMO develops a variety of advocacy positions on all matters that impact Ontario’s municipalities. These positions are in the form of backgrounders, policy updates, reports and submissions and more to inform our membership of current issues affecting the municipal sector.

On the left navigation menu, you will find current policy issues we are working on now. Read our Strategic Objectives, Member Updates and Backgrounders to find out what other initiatives we are working on.


Recent Advocacy

AMO Response to the Ministry of Health’s Discussion Paper. February 11, 2020
AMO provided comprehensive, written submissions to the Minister of Health in response to the Public Health and Emergency Health Services Modernization consultations. Underlying both submissions is the notion that municipal governments and the Province can work together to collectively preserve what is working well and fix what needs fixing.

AMO 2020 Pre-budget Submission. Partnering for a Stronger Ontario: Investing in municipalities is a good investment in the provincial economy. January 24, 2020
The submission illustrates that investing in municipalities is a good investment in the provincial economy. Municipal governments invest revenues of $50 billion annually in important public services and infrastructure. Municipalities are a major force in the economic well-being of Ontario and the country. Ontario and local governments must work in partnership to build strong and sustainable communities.

Government Announces Consultation on Re-composition of OPP Detachment Boards January 15, 2020
AMO has impressed upon the Ministry of the need for:
  • open and transparent discussions;
  • a recognition that policing is fundamentally local (ie. it is important to maintain the close proximity of a community to its board and the police);
  • locally workable governance arrangements; and
  • the representation of every municipal council.
AMO's Submission on Bill 132: Better for People, Smart for Business Act, 2019 November 25, 2019
This ominibus Bill amends fifteen Acts that impact municipal responsibilities. AMO will only comment on the top issues that raise concerns due to the anticipated impact to municipal governments.

Province Launches Consultations on the Blue Box Regulation November 20, 2019
AMO is well-positioned for these discussions, as staff just concluded a series of consultations across the Province with municipal staff. We will continue to work with our members and the Ministry throughout the process to advocate for a Blue Box regulation that creates a seamless experience for residents, and ensures that producers are held responsible for managing plastic and other packaging at end-of-life.

AMO Response to the Data Strategy’s ‘Discussion Paper 2: Creating Economic Benefits October 9, 2019
AMO is pleased to see the province engaging widely with Ontarians towards the development of a ‘made-in-Ontario’ Data Strategy. We are also happy to see the province consider the municipal role in creating a province-wide digital first approach.

Submission on Enabling New Models of Care for Select 9-1-1 Patients (Regulatory Posting 19-HLTC022)  October 4, 2019
AMO provided a submission to the Ministry of Health about proposed regulation changes to enable new models of care for select 9-1-1 patients which will affect municipal Paramedic Services. AMO’s view is that dispatch must be fixed first and municipalities need protection from increased liability with provincial funning for training.

AMO Submits Report to Attorney Generalon Liability and Insurance Cost Reforms October 1, 2019
The report includes seven key recommendations on actions which the government could take to reduce the negative impact of joint and several liability. It builds on previous reports and resolutions submitted in 2010, 2011, and 2014. Please see the report for more details.
 

Addressing the Opioid Overdose Emergency in Ontario: Municipal Recommendations for a Provincial Response September 4, 2019
With the provincial government developing a Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, there is opportunity to direct specific attention to the opioid overdose emergency through an overall drug strategy. With this in mind, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is providing a broad range of recommendations to inform a provincial response.