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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 146

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 04, 2023
Building a Strong Ontario Together Act (Budget Measures), 2023
  • This explanatory note provides information about Bill 146, which has been enacted as Chapter 21 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2023. The bill includes amendments to various statutes, including the Commodity Futures Act, Construction Act, Fuel Tax Act, Gasoline Tax Act, Ministry of Revenue Act, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, Securities Act, Securities Commission Act, Taxation Act, Vaping Product Taxation Coordination Act, and Investment Management Corporation of Ontario Act. Some highlights of the amendments include the establishment of protection for whistle-blowers and protection from reprisals, changes to the powers of the Capital Markets Tribunal, automatic application of certain orders and settlement agreements made by authorities responsible for the regulation of commodities or contracts, rules governing the distribution of disgorged amounts, immunity for acts or omissions done in compliance with Ontario commodity futures law, and amendments to taxation laws. These amendments have different effective dates, and the bill does not form part of the law itself.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Explanatory Note provides important information about Bill 146 and its relationship to the law. It clarifies that the Note is not part of the law itself, but rather serves as a reader's aid to understand the content of the bill. This distinction is important because it ensures that readers do not confuse the explanatory note with the actual legal provisions. The Schedule 1 amendment to the Commodity Futures Act introduces new provisions for protection from reprisals and whistle-blowing. These provisions establish safeguards for individuals who provide information about acts that contravene Ontario commodity futures law. The amendments also prioritize the confidentiality of whistle-blowers by prohibiting the disclosure of their identity under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Schedule 2 amendment to the Construction Act allows for the regulation of coverage limits and other requirements for labour and material payment bonds and performance bonds. This amendment provides flexibility for the government to specify these requirements through regulations, ensuring that they can be adjusted as needed to meet changing circumstances. The Schedule 3 amendment to the Fuel Tax Act extends the period during which a reduction of tax payable by purchasers of clear fuel is applicable. This extension provides continued relief for purchasers of clear fuel until June 30, 2024, instead of the previous end date of December 31, 2023. The Schedule 4 amendment to the Gasoline Tax Act includes a definition of "alternative fuel" and expands the definition of "qualified motor vehicle" to include vehicles powered by alternative fuels. This amendment recognizes the growing use of alternative fuels and ensures that vehicles powered by these fuels are eligible for the same benefits and regulations as vehicles powered by gasoline. The Schedule 5 enactment of the Interim Appropriation for 2024-2025 Act, 2023 authorizes expenditures pending the voting of supply for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. This Act allows for necessary expenditures to be made before the budget is finalized, ensuring the continued functioning of government operations. The Schedule 6 amendment to the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario Act, 2015 allows municipal Investment Boards and Joint Investment Boards to be members of the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario. This amendment expands the eligibility for membership in the Corporation, allowing for greater representation and participation in investment decisions. The Schedule 7 amendment to the Ministry of Revenue Act requires the Minister to provide certified copies of notices of calculation given under the Family Law Act upon request. This amendment ensures that parents, the designated authority, or the Central

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: The Building a Strong Ontario Together Act (Budget Measures), 2023, specifically the amendments to the Commodity Futures Act, Securities Act, and Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, 2019, represent an overreach of government power and interference in the free market. These amendments increase regulations and impose additional burdens on businesses and individuals, hindering economic growth and personal freedom. Firstly, the new provisions in the Commodity Futures Act and Securities Act regarding protection from reprisals and whistle-blowing create unnecessary regulations and restrictions on businesses. These provisions limit the ability of companies to operate freely and make decisions without fear of reprisal or disclosure of confidential information. This can stifle innovation and discourage investment in the commodities and securities markets. Furthermore, the amendments to the Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, 2019, impose additional liability on manufacturers, wholesalers, and consultants in the opioid industry. While it is important to address the opioid crisis and hold accountable those responsible for wrongdoing, these amendments unfairly burden businesses and individuals in the industry. The government should focus on addressing the root causes of the opioid crisis, such as addiction treatment and prevention, rather than placing the blame solely on the industry. Additionally, the Interim Appropriation for 2024-2025 Act, 2023, allows for significant government spending without the proper oversight and accountability. This can lead to wasteful spending and an increase in the already high levels of government debt. The government should prioritize fiscal responsibility and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. Overall, these amendments represent a larger trend of government intervention and regulation, which is contrary to the principles of limited government and individual liberty. The government should focus on creating a business-friendly environment that encourages economic growth and personal freedom, rather than imposing burdensome regulations and restrictions.
Royal Assent
  • Dec. 4, 2023, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • Nov. 29, 2023, noon
  • Passed
Second Reading
  • Nov. 27, 2023, noon
  • Passed