THIS WEEK AT QUEEN’S PARK (and elsewhere)
Premier’s Private Letters: In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Friday that Premier Doug Ford's mandate letters for cabinet ministers can be kept secret. Mandate letters are given to cabinet ministers at the beginning of their terms and lay out the priorities and expectations for their files. The ruling marks the end of a long fight over the documents which has spanned two terms of government.
MAID Delayed: The Federal Government introduced legislation to delay the expansion of assisted dying for individuals suffering only from mental illness. Both the Ford government and the Official Opposition NDP have stated their support for the decision. The legislation will delay the change until 2027.
Where’s My Car?: The Federal Government and Ontario Government announced $121 million in funding over the next five years to combat rising auto thefts and gun violence. Premier Ford did not mince his words, telling criminals that “we are coming after you and we are going to catch you, and you are going to jail.” Auto theft has become so prevalent that it is estimated that a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes across the province.
Flurry of Judicial Appointments: A number of judicial appointments in Ontario were announced this week. The Hon. Patrick J. Boucher has been appointed Regional Senior Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for the Northeast. Justice Stephen J. Wojciechowski and Justice Evelyn M. ten Cate have been appointed judges of the Superior Court of Justice (SCJ), while Justice Joanna M. Shaw has been appointed a judge of the SCJ, Family Court. In addition, the Hon. Michael B. J. Carnegie, a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice, has also been appointed to the Superior Court of Justice.
That was Easy? Not Quite: Premier Doug Ford continues to face criticism about a sole-sourced deal that will see 11 ServiceOntario locations close and move into Staples and Walmart kiosks. CityNews reported this week that the provincial government was giving Staples $1.75 million for the retrofitting costs. Officials say the deal will save $900,000 over three years. Ford says it was officials who negotiated the agreement, and that people will be happy about the extended hours.
OBA ADVOCACY THIS WEEK
The OBA is seeking member input on important issues to raise at a proposed Queen’s Park Day. Please reach out to your section executives if you have comments or suggestions.
Still Looking for PAs! Some OBA sections are still looking for PAs – Public Affairs Liaison – to join Section Executives. Check here to see what is available. If you look forward to reading your OBA LegUp each week, this may be a role for you. Speak to your section chair to learn more.
CURRENT & UPCOMING CONSULTATIONS
If you are interested in participating in any of the consultations below, please let your section executive know (2023-24 executives are now posted at oba.org).
- Construction Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.30
- Consultation on Employer Requirements and Experience with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- FSRA’s Proposed Approach to Strengthening Protection of Vulnerable Consumers
- Proposed New Surety Bonding Requirements for Large Non-P3 Infrastructure Projects
NEW BILLS and BILLS WITH RECENT ACTIVITY
The House is expected to sit again on February 21, 2024
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Government Bills
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Status
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Bill 159, Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2023
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December 4, 2023, First Reading, Vote Carried, Ordered for Second Reading
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Bill 157, Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2023
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December 5, 2023, Second Reading, Debated, Debate adjourned, Debated, Question put, Vote Carried, referred to Standing Committee on Justice Policy
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Bill 153, Building Infrastructure Safely Act, 2023
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November 27, 2023, Second Reading, Debated, Question put, Vote Carried, referred to Standing Committee on Justice Policy
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Bill 151, Improving Real Estate Management Act, 2023
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November 22, 2023, Second Reading, referred to Standing Committee on Social Policy
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Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023
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November 23, Second Reading, Debated, Question put, Vote Carried, referred to Standing Committee on Social Policy
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Private Members Bills
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Status
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Bill 138, Change of Name Amendment Act, 2023
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November 14, 2023, Second Reading, Debated, Question put, Second Reading, Vote, Carried, referred to Standing Committee on Justice Policy
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Bill 132, Supporting Economic Recovery and Renewal in the Niagara Region Act, 2023
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September 27, 2023, First Reading, Vote, Carried
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GOVERNMENT REGULATORY CONSULTATIONS
*NEW THIS WEEK*
Proposed regulation under the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, 2023 to vest land
Deadline for Comments: March 4, 2024
Red Tape Reduction- Northern Services Boards Act Modernization
Deadline for Comments: March 7, 2024
ONGOING GOVERNMENT CONSULATIONS
Consultation on Employer Requirements and Experience with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Deadline for Comments: February 16, 2024
Proposed New Surety Bonding Requirements for Large Non-P3 Infrastructure Projects
Deadline for Comments: February 23, 2024
LAW SOCIETY – EXTERNL APPOINTMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Law Society is currently seeking applicants from qualified paralegal and lawyers for the following:
Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee – Northeast
The application deadline is March 22, 2024.
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS
There are numerous appointment opportunities currently advertised on the Public Appointments Secretariat website for the Ontario Energy Board, Ontario Parks Board of Directors, License Appeal Tribunal, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and Labour-Management Advisory Committee.
There are 206 positions identified as vacant at this time. Understanding that vacant does not mean actively hiring, you can check out the list here, which includes a seat on the Board of Governors for several universities, Plannings Boards, the Royal Ontario Museum, Legal Aid Ontario, and the Ontario Judicial Council.
OBA SOCIALS
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