New Code of Conduct Bill Passes, Ontario Nurses Association’s Constitutional Challenge, Advocacy on Rideshare Regulation, and Launch of Long-Lead Time Energy Procurement

Top Insights

• Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, passed third reading, a significant achievement for the municipal sector.

• The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) is challenging the constitutionality of long-standing legislation that bans hospital and long-term care nurses from striking or being locked out during collective bargaining. 

• AMO calls for any future expansion of the Northlander Rideshare Pilot to other parts of the province to ensure a level playing field for municipal transit services and existing taxi companies, and provides a clear framework for provincial monitoring and enforcement. 

• The IESO launches its Long-Lead Time (LLT) procurement which includes a requirement to obtain municipal support for new energy projects.

Bill 9 Passes with a Framework for a New Code of Conduct  

Today, the legislature passed Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025. It provides the foundation for the much-anticipated new ethical framework governing the behaviour of elected municipal officials. This is a significant achievement for municipal governments and AMO. 

"The municipal sector has long advocated for a provincial code of conduct legislation and AMO commends Minister Flack and Premier Ford for passing this important bill. This is progress that we can build upon. This legislation is a necessary step forward in supporting safe and respectful working environments for members of council and municipal staff. It will allow councils to function more effectively and fairly by creating accountability and trust, which encourages good people to run." 

Robin Jones, AMO President

A new standardized Code of Conduct and Integrity Commissioner investigation process will be prescribed by the Minister in regulation.  AMO will respond to the regulation posting to ensure that the new Code of Conduct upholds a high ethical standard and meets the diverse needs and capacity of members across the province. 

The Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) Launches Constitutional Challenge  

The ONA has launched a constitutional challenge to the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA), which prohibits nurses working in hospitals and long-term care facilities from striking or being locked out during collective bargaining.  

AMO will be actively following this court challenge given the impact any change could have on the operations of municipal long-term care homes. 

AMO’s Advocacy on Provincial Rideshare Regulation 

AMO has written to the Minister of Transportation about the planned Northlander Rideshare Pilot. The pilot will test provincial regulation of rideshare services. The results will help inform province-wide rideshare rules in the future. AMO’s advice focuses on a successful pilot and planning for any future expansion. This includes: 

• Coordinating with municipalities so rideshare complements local transit services and transportation is available at the right times and places 
• Creating a level playing field for rideshare and local taxi companies to protect local businesses and avoid pressure to remove taxi regulations that keep drivers and riders safe 
• Establishing a clear and transparent system for provincial monitoring and enforcement without creating new oversight roles or financial burden for municipalities 

AMO supports new approaches to improving transportation options across Ontario. We will monitor next steps and share feedback with the province to help ensure any future regulations meet the needs of all communities. 

IESO Launches Long-Lead Time Request for Proposal Intake 

The IESO’s Long-Lead Time (LLT) procurement aims to procure new hydroelectric generation and long-duration energy storage projects. Like the Long-Term 2 Request for Proposals procurements, project proponents will be required to obtain support from host municipalities. This includes a requirement to provide municipalities with a written notice of their intent to engage with the community at least 60 days before a Municipal Support Confirmation can be signed. The LLT project submission deadline is November 26, 2026.