This Week at Queen’s Park
The week began with the Speech from the Throne on Monday, after the surprise prorogation of the Legislature on March 15. The Speech signalled a number of high-profile policy priorities that will undoubtedly form the basis of the 2018 provincial Budget, which will be released on March 28. Indeed, in the days following the Speech the Premier held numerous press conferences providing follow-up details on these spending promises, including
· an expansion of OHIP+, which will make more than 4,400 prescription drugs available free of charge to everyone 65 and over;
· a four-year, $2.1 billion investment in mental health and additions services;
· a $822 million investment in Ontario hospitals in 2018-19; and
· up to $2.4 billion to support a new Patient Care Centre at SickKids Hospital in Toronto.
For their part, the provincial NDP attacked the Liberals for not addressing these issues during their 15 years in power, and provided detail on an election plank of their own, promising a $1.2 billion public dental plan. The provincial PCs, now led by Doug Ford, held a “Unity Rally” on Monday evening focused on bringing together caucus, candidates, and party members under the PC banner.
Inside the House, the government re-introduced three bills that had died on the Order Paper due to the prorogation:
· Bill 3, Pay Transparency Act, 2018 (formerly Bill 203)
· Bill 6, Correctional Services Transformation Act, 2018 (formerly Bill 195)
· Bill 8, Access to Consumer Credit Reports and Elevator Availability Act, 2018 (formerly Bill 199)
Law Society of Upper Canada
Convocation meets next on April 26, 2018.
Legislation
NOTABLE GOVERNMENT BILLS (UPDATES FOR THIS WEEK)
NOTABLE PRIVATE MEMBERS BILLS (UPDATES FOR THIS WEEK)
Regulations
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Proposed Amendments To General Regulation under the Co-operative Corporations Act
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Proposed Amendments to General Regulation under the Co-operative Corporations Act to enable the transfer of responsibility for the incorporation of co-operative corporations from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
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Comments Due Date: March 25, 2018
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Proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 79/10 under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 to introduce Administrative Monetary Penalties, Re-Inspection Fees and make minor technical amendments.
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The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Ministry) is proposing amendments to Ontario Regulation 79/10 (Regulation) under the Long-Term Care Homes Act 2007 (LTCHA) to introduce re-inspection fees and administrative monetary penalties that would be issued against long-term care home licensees that are in continued non-compliance with the LTCHA and to make other minor technical amendments.
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Comments Due Date: March 29, 2018
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Proposed modifications to O. Reg. 311/06 (Transitional Matters - Growth Plans) made under the Places to Grow Act, 2005 to implement the proposed methodology for land needs assessment for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (source: Environmental Registry)
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We are proposing a minor change to the transition regulation for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The change would support implementation of a standard method to calculate the amount of land needed for development until 2041, known as a land needs assessment. This will help municipalities to ensure land is used efficiently.
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Comments Due Date: March 29, 2018
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Proposed regulations under the proposed Ontario Special Investigations Unit Act, 2017
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If the proposed Ontario Special Investigations Unit Act, 2017 is passed, the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) would propose to bring forward a number of regulations to support implementation of the proposed changes affecting the OSIU which may come into effect after the OSIU begins operating under its new mandate.
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Comments Due Date: March 30, 2018
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Health Sector Payment Transparency Act, 2017 - New Regulation
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The purpose of this proposal is to seek feedback from the public and stakeholders on a proposed regulation under the Health Sector Payment Transparency Act, 2017 (the Act).
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Comments Due Date: April 6, 2018
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Permitting the Payment of Variable Benefits from Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Plans
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Description of Proposed Regulations for Variable Benefits
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Comments Due Date: May 4, 2018
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O. Reg. 525/97 (Exemption from MMA approval of Official Plan Amendments)
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The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) is proposing a regulation under the Planning Act to empower certain municipalities within planning boards in relation to exemption from approval of official plan amendments.
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Comments Due Date: May 6, 2018
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Public Appointments Available
· None at this time.