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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 154

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 06, 2023
New Deal for Toronto Act, 2023
  • This document is a summary of two Acts: the Recovery Through Growth Act (City of Toronto), 2023 and the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, 2023. The Acts address various matters related to the City of Toronto and the redevelopment of Ontario Place. The Recovery Through Growth Act requires discussions between the Government of Ontario and the City of Toronto on topics such as transportation, housing, and homelessness programs. The Rebuilding Ontario Place Act defines terms, vests certain real property to the Crown, and exempts certain undertakings from environmental assessments. The Acts also include provisions for compensation, regulations, and miscellaneous matters. The Acts will come into force on the day they receive Royal Assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of this explanatory note is that it provides important context and clarification for the reader. By clearly stating that the note does not form part of the law, it helps to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation of the legislation. This allows readers to understand that the note is intended to provide additional information and guidance, rather than being legally binding. This transparency and clarity can contribute to a more effective and informed understanding of the law.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: Bill 154, the New Deal for Toronto Act, 2023, grants the Government of Ontario and the City of Toronto significant powers and control over various aspects of the city's development and infrastructure. While the government claims that this Act is aimed at improving the long-term financial stability and sustainability of Toronto, it actually undermines individual liberties and free market principles. Firstly, the Act gives the Minister of Infrastructure broad powers to make orders that do not need to be consistent with any policy statement or conform to any provincial plan. This lack of consistency and conformity undermines the principles of good governance and transparency. It allows the government to make decisions without proper accountability and oversight. Secondly, the Act exempts certain undertakings from the Environmental Assessment Act, which is meant to ensure that projects are assessed for their environmental impact. This exemption undermines environmental protections and could lead to irresponsible development practices that harm the environment. Furthermore, the Act restricts the City of Toronto's powers to regulate noise emitted from the Ontario Place site, unless authorized to do so under regulations. This restriction limits the city's ability to protect the well-being and quality of life of its residents. Additionally, the Act allows for the vesting of real property to the Crown, limiting the City of Toronto's ability to encumber, sell, or dispose of land identified in the Act. This restriction on property rights undermines the principles of individual freedom and free market capitalism. Overall, Bill 154 grants excessive powers to the government and restricts the rights and freedoms of individuals and local governments. It undermines the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets that are essential to a prosperous and free society.
Royal Assent
  • Dec. 6, 2023, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • Dec. 5, 2023, noon
  • Passed
Second Reading
  • Dec. 5, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 05, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 30, 2023
First Reading
  • Nov. 27, 2023, noon
  • Passed