OMERS Amendments, Proposed WSIB Benefit Changes, Public Corporation Service Delivery Model, and Build Canada Homes Updates

Top Insights

• AMO continues to actively represent the interests of municipal employers and the long-term interests of the OMERS plan. The next AMO Webinar on the OMERS transition is May 25 – save the date!
• The provincial government introduced amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to increase the WSIB loss of earnings (LOE) benefit and extend LOE beyond the age of 65. Changes are anticipated to increase costs for employers, including municipalities.
• Advice for municipalities in responding to the province’s expression of interest regarding the water and wastewater public corporation service delivery model.
• AMO advocated to the federal government’s parliamentary committee on Build Canada Homes. We recommend municipalities engage with their regional Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing office to strengthen their Build Canada Homes applications and enhance their prospects for funding. 

OMERS Transition Process Continues 

Recent provincial amendments to the OMERS Act have fundamentally changed the governance and oversight of the OMERS pension plan. AMO, as a plan sponsor, represents nearly 40% of active OMERS members. Municipalities need to continue having a strong voice in the oversight of the plan.

AMO is actively involved with other plan sponsors to establish the new governance structure. Nearly 100 municipalities have passed resolutions supporting AMO's advocacy on this issue — thank you. Your vocal support has been critical in strengthening AMO's ability to influence this new model. 

This is more than just a governance issue. OMERS contributions make up a significant share of municipal staff compensation and are likely to grow. AMO needs you to stay engaged on this important issue because your collective municipal voice may be needed again. Stay tuned for a registration link for the next AMO Webinar on OMERS transition taking place on Monday, May 25. 

Province Proposes Changes to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Benefits

The province introduced amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) through Bill 105, Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026. The amendments, if passed, would increase WSIB Loss-of-Earnings (LOE) benefits to 90% of a worker’s take-home pay. The amount is up from the current 85%. The proposed changes would also update the WSIA to allow eligible workers to continue to receive LOE benefits through WSIB beyond the age of 65, if they plan to continue working. AMO looks forward to working with the province to better understand the cost implications on premium rates for municipal employers.

Water and Wastewater Public Corporation Model

The province issued an open call for expressions of interest regarding the water and wastewater public corporation service delivery model, currently planned for Peel Region’s implementation. The August 13, 2026, deadline presents a timing challenge for municipalities as councils' major decisions are frequently not carried past June during an election year. 

AMO recommends that interested municipalities submit a response to the call. If council approval is not feasible before the deadline, AMO recommends municipal staff submit a response noting that the response is preliminary and request the opportunity to engage with new council this winter to finalize the municipality’s official position. 

AMO and LAS have undertaken analysis on water and wastewater public corporation service delivery models which can support local analysis and decisions. These models are also called water and wastewater “municipal service corporations” or “utilities”.
 

Bill C-20 to Establish Build Canada Homes 

AMO provided a submission to the federal government’s parliamentary committee considering Bill C-20: An act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes. AMO supports the establishment of Build Canada Homes as a central actor to help address the homelessness and housing affordability crisis. 

To strengthen the legislation, AMO is recommending aligning Build Canada Homes with the National Housing Strategy Act and commit it through its mandate to act in appropriate ways to advance the progressive right to housing in Canada.

AMO has a series of operational recommendations for the successful implementation of BCH in Ontario, including:

• Working in collaboration with municipalities, District Social Service Administration Boards and the provincial government 
• Providing funding contributions (i.e. grants) rather than low-cost financing
• Shift toward portfolio approaches instead of project-based applications
• Increasing supply in communities across Ontario – big and small, rural and urban, northern and southern – in a flexible manner adapted to local needs and circumstances

AMO is also calling on the federal government to work collaboratively with the province to ensure comprehensive capital and operating funding is provided for new supportive and transitional housing units.

BCH is off to a promising start by collaborating to understand proposals and open to pursuing portfolio approaches. AMO members are encouraged to reach out to Build Canada Homes to submit proposals on their portal. Further, AMO recommends members connect with their Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regional office throughout the applications process to strengthen submissions and enhance potential access to provincial funding and endorsement.