The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) held its annual general meeting and conference from August 18-21 in Ottawa where we were proud to exhibit at the conference tradeshow and represent our members’ interests in delegation meetings.
President Paul Shipway and staff participated in three delegation meetings with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, the NDP and Green Party caucuses. Our focus throughout each of these meetings was on municipal modernization - including advancing our advocacy work on important updates to the Municipal Elections Act (MEA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Our members and municipal administrators need legislation that reflects today's unique municipal environment, opportunities, and challenges; that is flexible and permissive to future-focused outcomes that strengthen democratic processes and benefit our communities.
Delegation with Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement
We had met with Minister McCarthy earlier this year at the 2024 ROMA Conference presenting our MFIPPA submission for the first time and discussing the need for a comprehensive review of the Act. With the Province taking steps towards privacy protection for the larger public sector through Bill 194, this time we highlighted the importance of privacy protection at the municipal level and the interconnectedness with provincial interests such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). We also talked about these considerations within other legislation that requires modernization such as the MEA. We secured a commitment from the Minister to review and update the Act within the next year, with extensive municipal consultation.
Delegations with Opposition Parties
Meeting with opposition parties not only allows us to build relationships, but also consistency in understanding across parties of municipal issues that affect our members. We had valuable discussions around our MFIPPA and MEA submissions, our ongoing work related to strong mayors and the role of staff, reducing the administrative and operational burden on municipalities, and how we can work together to bring attention to these items on the provincial stage. It is through this work and our close relationships with the community and public that we continue to show the value of the work of our members as professional, municipal experts.
Announcements Tied to AMCTO Advocacy
During Premier Ford’s speech to delegates, he announced that applications are open for the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which was previously committed to earlier this year as part of the Provincial budget. The fund goes towards the repair, upgrade or building of sport and recreation facilities. To access the Province’s August 27 webinar on the fund, email CSRIF@ontario.ca.
Applications are also open for municipalities to access about $400 million from the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for road and bridge construction, maintenance and repair. These various infrastructure funding opportunities are welcome, however they only begin to cover the finances needed for municipalities to maintain and expand such infrastructure.
As the Province increases funding in some areas, they announced a different approach in others. The Province is putting in place new legislation and zoning restrictions that, by March 31, 2025, will shut down 10 of Ontario’s safe consumption sites in communities such as Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, and Kitchener. This new legislation will also ban supervised sites within 200 metres of schools and child care facilities. With this, the Province is investing $378 million into 19 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs with supportive housing and beds.
During his speech, Minister Calandra provided an overview of the Province’s new Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), meant to guide local decision-making, reduce red tape and support new housing. Following the Province’s PPS review, changes include requiring municipalities to set minimum affordable housing and intensification and redevelopment in built-up areas.
Further speeches were made by opposition party leaders, who all indicated support for a new deal with more stable funding for municipalities. Some plans, such as the NDP’s, included uploading of financial responsibility of various services. This aligns with AMO’s call to the Province for a Social and Economic Prosperity Review. In addition, leaders reiterated their support for harsher penalties and accountability for councillor harassment. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict also emphasized that First Nations want to work with municipalities.
Meanwhile, during the Minister’s Forum, also known as the ‘Bear Pit’, Ministers received questions regarding Code of Conduct and harassment legislation, regulations regarding the keeping of dangerous animals, red tape associated with various infrastructure grants and how municipalities are continuing to fund provincial services. Despite many calls for the legislation, Minister Calandra advised conference delegates that he is awaiting a report with recommendations from the Provincial Integrity Commissioner before bringing proposed legislation forward that will harmonize codes of conduct for all 444 municipalities. With respect to the keeping of animals, the Province referred to recently passed animal welfare legislation and inspectors, and presented a willingness to continue to work with municipalities on this issue. On the topic of funding and grants, the Province cited funding provided thus far and spoke on opportunities to continue to build provincial-municipal relations.
Moving Forward
It remains important for us to connect with provincial and municipal leaders about our advocacy priorities during conferences such as AMO. Just days before the conference, the Premier announced changes to cabinet, particularly the Minister of Education, now Hon. Jill Dunlop. We will be following up with provincial Ministers such as Ministers McCarthy, Dunlop, and Calandra, as well as opposition officials, to continue these conversations and advocate on our members’ behalf.
For more information or details about how to get involved in our advocacy efforts, please contact us.