43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

December 04, 2023

Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023

Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 18
Read Bill |
Government Page

This is a summary of Bill 134, which has been enacted as Chapter 18 of the Statutes of Ontario in 2023. The bill includes amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the St. Thomas - Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023. Under the Development Charges Act, 1997, affordable and attainable residential units are exempt from development charges. The bill also amends the provisions that determine when a residential unit is considered affordable. The St. Thomas - Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023 is amended to allow the City of St. Thomas to provide assistance to a specified corporation during a specified period. The bill also changes the title of the act to the Supporting Manufacturing in St. Thomas Act, 2023 and includes other amendments to divide the act into parts. Overall, the bill aims to promote affordable housing and support manufacturing in St. Thomas.

Yea
Nay
add
star_border
share

SteelmanSpren in Favour

One steelman argument in favor of this Explanatory Note is that it provides clarity and transparency to readers of Bill 134. By clearly stating that the Explanatory Note does not form part of the law, it prevents any confusion or misinterpretation that may arise from readers assuming that the Note has legal weight. This ensures that readers understand the distinction between the actual law and the explanatory information provided. Additionally, by including the specific schedules and amendments made by Bill 134, the Explanatory Note serves as a helpful reference for readers who want to understand the changes made to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the St. Thomas - Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023.

SteelmanSpren Against

Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 134: Bill 134, also known as the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023, includes amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the St. Thomas - Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023. While the intention behind this legislation may be to promote affordable housing and support manufacturing in St. Thomas, there are several concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. Firstly, the exemption of affordable and attainable residential units from development charges under the Development Charges Act, 1997 raises questions about fairness and economic efficiency. Development charges are fees imposed on developers to help cover the costs of infrastructure and services required due to new developments. By exempting certain residential units from these charges, the burden of funding infrastructure falls on other taxpayers and developers who are not benefiting from the exemptions. This creates an unfair advantage for those who qualify for the exemptions and distorts the market by artificially reducing the costs for some developers. Furthermore, the amendments to the St. Thomas - Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023, which enable the City of St. Thomas to grant assistance to a specified corporation, raise concerns about government intervention and favoritism. Granting assistance to a specific corporation during a specified period undermines free market principles and may lead to cronyism and unfair competition. It is not the role of the government to pick winners and losers in the market, as this can stifle innovation and hinder economic growth. Additionally, the changes to the Act that allow the Minister to make regulations imposing restrictions, limits, and conditions on the City's powers under the section further expand government control and bureaucracy. This kind of top-down approach limits local autonomy and decision-making, hindering the ability of municipalities to respond to the unique needs and circumstances of their communities. Lastly, the title of the Act, the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023, may be misleading. While the intention to promote affordable housing and support manufacturing jobs may be commendable, the means by which this is achieved through government intervention and exemptions raises concerns about the long-term sustainability and unintended consequences of such policies. It is important to consider the potential negative impacts on the overall economy, property rights, and individual freedom that can result from excessive government intervention. In conclusion, while the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023 may have good intentions, it raises concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. The exemptions from development charges, government assistance to specific