43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

December 08, 2022

Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 24
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Bill 39 is a law that has been enacted in Ontario in 2022. It amends the City of Toronto Act, 2006, the Municipal Act, 2001, and enacts the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022. The amendments to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 allow the head of council to propose a by-law that could potentially advance a provincial priority. If more than one third of the members of city council vote in favor of the by-law, it is passed. The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022 repeals the older Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, 2005. It deems the easements and covenants described in the repealed Act to have the same legal effect as if the repealed Act had never been in effect. It also addresses the interaction of these covenants and easements with certain provisions of the Conservation Land Act and prohibits related causes of actions and proceedings. The amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001 authorize the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to appoint the head of council for The Regional Municipality of Niagara, The Regional Municipality of Peel, and The Regional Municipality of York for the term of office beginning in 2022. The head of council is also given the power to propose a by-law that could potentially advance a provincial priority, and if more than one third of the members of council vote in favor of the by-law, it is passed.

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SteelmanSpren in Favour

One possible steelman argument in favor of this Explanatory Note is that it provides clarity and transparency to the legislative process. By clearly stating that the Note does not form part of the law, it helps readers understand the distinction between the explanatory information and the actual legislation. This can prevent confusion and ensure that readers are able to accurately interpret and apply the law. Additionally, by including the specific details of the amendments made by Bill 39, such as the addition of new sections and the repeal of previous acts, the Note provides a comprehensive overview of the changes being made. This can be helpful for individuals who need to understand the impact of the legislation on their rights and obligations. Overall, the Explanatory Note serves as a valuable reader's aid, enhancing the accessibility and understanding of the law.

SteelmanSpren Against

Steelman Argument: Opposing Bill 39 and the amendments it proposes to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001, as well as the enactment of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022, is a matter of upholding right-wing anti-government principles. 1. Limited Government: These amendments and the new Act expand the powers of the government, particularly the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to appoint and control the head of council in certain municipalities. This goes against the principle of limited government, as it concentrates more power in the hands of the government and reduces local autonomy. 2. Lack of Accountability: By allowing the head of council to propose by-laws that align with prescribed provincial priorities, and passing them with only one-third of the council's vote, these amendments undermine the democratic process and reduce accountability. It allows for the potential abuse of power by the head of council, as they can push through by-laws without sufficient scrutiny or support from the council members. 3. Interference with Property Rights: The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022, repeals the older Act and deems the easements and covenants to have the same legal effect as if the repealed Act had never been in effect. This undermines property rights and disregards the agreements made under the previous Act. It sets a dangerous precedent of the government being able to retroactively change the legal status of property rights. 4. Lack of Transparency: The amendments and the new Act grant the Minister the power to make regulations relating to the appointment of a head of council and other matters. This gives the Minister significant discretionary power without clear guidelines or transparency. It opens the door for potential favoritism, political influence, and lack of accountability in the appointment process. 5. Centralization of Power: These amendments and the new Act centralize power in the hands of the provincial government, particularly the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This goes against the principles of decentralization and local governance, which are often championed by right-wing ideologies. It reduces the ability of local municipalities to make decisions that best suit their unique needs and circumstances. In conclusion, opposing Bill 39 and the amendments it proposes, as well as the enactment of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022, aligns with right-wing anti-government principles of limited government, accountability, protection of property rights, transparency,

Royal Assent

Dec. 8, 2022, noon
Read

Assembly Motion No. 4317

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)

Dec. 8, 2022, 9 a.m.

Bill 39
Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 24

Third Reading of Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022.

Dec. 8, 2022, midnight
Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

December 07, 2022

Read from Start

(35) Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

December 06, 2022

Read from Start

(6) Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022

Second Reading

Dec. 6, 2022, midnight
Passed

Assembly Motion No. 4377

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)

Nov. 23, 2022, 10:15 a.m.

Bill 39
Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 24

Second Reading of Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022.

Assembly Motion No. 4376

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)

Nov. 23, 2022, 10:15 a.m.

Bill 39
Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2022, chapter 24

Motion for closure on Second Reading of Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022.