From the Provincial Office of OSSTF
NEW SESSION BEGINS AFTER PROROGATION
Fast on the heels of an embarrassing by-election loss in the long-time Liberal stronghold of Scarborough—Rouge River, Premier Kathleen Wynne attempted to re-invigorate her government by proroguing the Legislative Assembly days before it was set to resume. At the same time, the prorogation did not delay the resumption of the Legislature. Instead, the new session began with a Throne Speech that centered on the Liberals’ attempt to stem the perception that they were beginning to lose touch with the electorate. In particular, Wynne announced plans to rebate the provincial portion of the HST on Hydro bills. As well, she announced additional measures that would ease the financial pain on particularly hard-hit rural customers. Wynne also unveiled plans to increase childcare spaces by 100,000 by the year 2022. At this point in her mandate, a Throne Speech may not be enough to stop her party’s slide in the polls, particularly as only 16 per cent of Ontarians support, versus 72 per cent oppose her leadership.
NEW BILLS INTRODUCED
Bill 2, Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016
After committee meetings this summer, the Liberals’ Election Finances Act has had some significant amendments including a reduction in contribution limits for individuals. The bill will now move to 2nd Reading and further amendments are possible. The Liberals want the bill implemented by January 1, 2017.
Bill 3, Cutting Red Tape for Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2016
MPP Steve Clark’s (Leeds—Grenville) bill would enable certain motor vehicle dealers to apply for permits, number plates and other things by electronic means or in an electronic format.
Bill 4, Supporting Agricultural Experts in their Field Act, 2016
MPP Lisa Thompson’s (Huron—Bruce) bill concerns the designation of “professional pest advisor” and who can conduct a soil inspection.
Bill 5, Greater Access to Hepatitis C Treatment Act, 2016
MPP Sylvia Jones (Dufferin—Caledon) has proposed that any treatment recommended by a physician for a patient with hepatitis C be provided to the patient irrespective of the degree or amount of liver damage sustained by the patient.
Bill 6, Ministry of Community and Social Services Amendment Act (Social Assistance Research Commission), 2016
MPP Paul Miller (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) has proposed the establishment of a Social Assistance Research Commission. The Commission would recommend social assistance rates and make other recommendations about social assistance policy.
Bill 7, Promoting Affordable Housing Act, 2016
Newly-appointed Minister of Housing, Chris Ballard (Newmarket—Aurora) re-introduced a bill to make more affordable housing available in Ontario. The bill calls for inclusionary zoning so that more affordable units can be built.
Bill 8, Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act, 2016
MPP Ernie Hardeman’s (Oxford) bill would permit the Auditor General to audit the accounts of the Housing Services Corporation and of each of its subsidiaries.
Bill 9, End Age Discrimination Against Stroke Recovery Patients Act, 2016
MPP Lorne Coe’s (Whitby—Oshawa) bill would ensure that any treatment recommended by a physician for a patient who is recovering from a stroke is provided to that patient promptly, regardless of the patient’s age.
Bill 10, Opportunity in the Sharing Economy Act, 2016
Before departing from provincial politics, former Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak (Niagara—West Glanbrook), proposed three bills including one dealing with the sharing economy on items such as vehicles and parking spaces.
Bill 11, Free My Rye Act (Liquor Statute Law Amendment), 2016
Another bill Tim Hudak proposed would amend Ontario’s liquor laws to permit the opening of microdistillers and an increase in the number of stores permitted to sell spirits.
Bill 12, Protection for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims and Other Consumers from Unfair Legal Practices Act, 2016
Tim Hudak’s final bill aims to protect consumers from legal referral service providers. Hudak’s bill would limit the amount of allowable referral fees.
Bill 12, Protection for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims and Other Consumers from Unfair Legal Practices Act, 2016
Tim Hudak’s final bill aims to protect consumers from legal referral service providers. Hudak’s bill would limit the amount of allowable referral fees.
Bill 13, Ontario Rebate for Electricity Consumers Act, 2016
Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury) introduced the Liberals’ signature Throne Speech legislation. The bill would rebate hydro users the provincial portion of the HST.
Bill 14, Door-to-Door Sales Prohibition Act, 2016
MPP Yvan Baker’s bill would prohibit door-to-door sales and render any contracts signed as a result void.
Bill 15, Helping Volunteers Give Back Act, 2016
MPP Sylvia Jones’ (Dufferin—Caledon) bill would allow volunteers to produce background criminal checks for up to one year from their issue. Volunteers would still be obligated to produce yearly checks, if requested.
Bill 16, Hazel McCallion Day Act, 2016
MPP Amrit Mangat (Mississauga—Brampton South) introduced a bill to proclaim February 14 as Hazel McCallion Day in honour of the long-time Mississauga mayor.
Bill 64, Protecting Interns and Creating a Learning Economy Act, 2016
MPP Peggy Sattler’s (London West) bill would strengthen labour protections for unpaid interns and impose new requirements on their employers. As per all-party agreement, Sattler’s bill was brought back at 2nd Reading.
AROUND THE LEGISLATURE
Hudak Bids Adieu
After serving twenty-one years as a backbencher, Cabinet Minister and Party Leader, Tim Hudak said his goodbyes to the Ontario Legislature. Despite losing two elections as Party Leader, in 2011 and 2014, few could argue that Hudak was a politician who went with the flow. To his supporters, he was a man of principle and courage who told Ontarians the truth about their economic situation. To his detractors, Hudak was a man who would create another “Mike Harris Common Sense Revolution” that would harm Ontario greatly. In fact, his “Right-to-Work” agenda and 100,000 job cuts proposals will forever repulse his political adversaries. Hudak will now assume the post as Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association.