Changes to three legislations underway for Ontario’s local governments

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By Femi SHODUNKE

CANADA: ONTARIO has introduced changes to three key pieces of municipal legislations that, if passed into law, would ensure local governments are more open, flexible and accountable to the people they serve.

“The Municipal Act, the City of Toronto Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act set out the roles, responsibilities and conflict of interest rules for Ontario’s municipalities,” a news release by the government made available to GatewayMail said.

The government explained that if eventually passed, these changes would benefit local governments and residents of the 444 municipalities in the Province by increasing fairness and reducing barriers for women and parents elected to municipal governments by allowing time off for pregnancy or parental leave.

The changes too, the government added, would help empower municipalities to address climate change in their communities through by-laws related to green construction in certain circumstances and broadens municipal investment powers, which may help better finance repairs and replacements of local infrastructure

Other benefits are improving access to justice for the public and for municipal councillors by allowing integrity commissioners to investigate complaints and requiring municipalities to have a code of conduct for members of municipal councils and local boards

“These changes come as a result of public consultations as well as feedback from municipalities and stakeholders,” the government said, adding: “Ontario is also strengthening democratic representation at the local level by proposing that the heads of most regional councils be elected to help ensure they are accountable to the voters they represent.”

“This proposed change is part of Ontario’s Building Ontario Up For Everyone Act, 2016,” it said of the Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act, which is required by legislation for review every five years.

Supporting local governments is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

“Ontario reviewed the Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act at the same time, along with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, to address and incorporate broader themes of accountability and transparency into the review,” government further explained adding: “The province consulted on the potential changes between June and October 2015.”

“Municipal governments provide essential services to the people of our province,” the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Bill Mauro, said, adding: “The changes we are proposing will help strengthen local governments and enhance their ability to serve the residents of their communities.”
Similarly, a member of the Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Centre, Daiene Vernile, said: “I’m pleased to be working to help more parents, and especially women, get involved in politics. Accommodating parents at the local level sends a strong message that municipal politics can be family-friendly.”