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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 3

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 08, 2022
Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022
  • This document is a summary of a bill called Bill 3, which has been enacted as Chapter 18 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2022. The bill amends various statutes related to the special powers and duties of heads of council in municipalities. Schedule 1 amends the City of Toronto Act, 2006 by adding a new Part V1.1, which outlines the special powers and duties of the head of council. These powers include responsibilities related to the chief administrative officer, organizational structure, local boards, committees, meetings, veto powers, and budgets. Schedule 2 amends the Municipal Act, 2001 by adding a new Part V1.1, which sets out the special powers and duties of the head of council in designated municipalities. These powers are similar to those outlined in Schedule 1. Schedule 3 amends the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. It adds a new section, 5.3, which outlines the duties of the head of council when they have a pecuniary interest in a matter and have a power or duty under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 or the Municipal Act, 2001 related to that matter. Overall, the bill provides additional powers and duties to heads of council in municipalities and addresses conflict of interest situations.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea (21)
  • Nay (24)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Explanatory Note states that it was written as a reader's aid to Bill 3 and does not form part of the law. This is a common practice in legislative drafting to provide additional information and context to help readers understand the purpose and effect of the bill. The inclusion of Schedules 1, 2, and 3 in Bill 3 amends various statutes, including the City of Toronto Act, 2006, the Municipal Act, 2001, and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. These amendments introduce special powers and duties for the head of council in designated municipalities, such as the City of Toronto. The steelman argument in favor of these amendments is that they provide a clear framework for the head of council to exercise their powers and perform their duties in an efficient and effective manner. By assigning specific powers and duties to the head of council, these amendments ensure accountability and streamline decision-making processes. For example, the powers assigned to the head of council include powers regarding the chief administrative officer, organizational structure, local boards, committees, meetings, veto powers, and budgets. These powers allow the head of council to effectively manage the affairs of the municipality and make decisions that align with provincial priorities. Furthermore, the amendments also introduce rules regarding delegation, immunity, transition, and conflict of interest. These rules provide clarity and guidance for the head of council and other municipal employees, ensuring that they act in the best interest of the municipality and its residents. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance governance and decision-making processes in designated municipalities, promoting transparency, accountability, and effective leadership.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument: Opponents of Bill 3 argue that it grants too much power to the head of council, which goes against the principles of limited government and individual liberty. They argue that this legislation undermines the democratic process by concentrating power in the hands of one individual, allowing them to make decisions without sufficient checks and balances. Firstly, opponents argue that giving the head of council powers over the chief administrative officer and the organizational structure of the city or municipality undermines the role of elected officials and professional administrators. They argue that these decisions should be made collectively by elected representatives, who are accountable to the voters, rather than by one individual. This concentration of power can lead to favoritism, corruption, and the potential for abuse. Secondly, opponents argue that the veto powers granted to the head of council can be used to stifle dissent and prevent the implementation of policies that may be in the best interest of the community. By allowing the head of council to veto by-laws that they believe interfere with provincial priorities, opponents argue that this legislation gives too much power to the provincial government and undermines local autonomy. Furthermore, opponents argue that the powers granted to the head of council regarding budgets can lead to fiscal irresponsibility and lack of transparency. By allowing the head of council to propose and adopt budgets without sufficient oversight, opponents argue that this can lead to unchecked spending and the potential for mismanagement of public funds. Opponents also raise concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in this legislation. By allowing the head of council to make decisions without sufficient public scrutiny, opponents argue that this undermines the principles of open and accountable government. In conclusion, opponents of Bill 3 argue that it grants too much power to the head of council, undermines the democratic process, and lacks sufficient checks and balances. They believe that this legislation goes against the principles of limited government and individual liberty, and can lead to favoritism, corruption, and fiscal irresponsibility.
Royal Assent
  • Sept. 8, 2022, noon
  • Read

Assembly Motion No. 4333

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Sept. 8, 2022, 10:15 a.m.
  • Bill 3
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 18
  • Third Reading of Bill 3, An Act to amend various statutes with respect to special powers and duties of heads of council.

Assembly Motion No. 4332

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Sept. 8, 2022, 10:15 a.m.
  • Bill 3
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 18
  • Motion for closure on Third Reading of Bill 3, An Act to amend various statutes with respect to special powers and duties of heads of council.
Third Reading
  • Sept. 8, 2022, midnight
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 07, 2022

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 06, 2022
Second Reading
  • Aug. 31, 2022, midnight
  • Passed

Assembly Motion No. 4340

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Aug. 18, 2022, 9 a.m.
  • Bill 3
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 18
  • Second Reading of Bill 3, An Act to amend various statutes with respect to special powers and duties of heads of council.

Assembly Motion No. 4339

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Aug. 18, 2022, 9 a.m.
  • Bill 3
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 18
  • Motion for closure on Second Reading of Bill 3, An Act to amend various statutes with respect to special powers and duties of heads of council.
First Reading
  • Aug. 10, 2022, midnight
  • Passed