Background
Last week, the Ontario government introduced its bi-annual red tape reduction package, Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, 2024, which proposes amendments to multiple existing laws to modernize regulations, simplify administrative processes, and improve service delivery. This legislation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce unnecessary burdens on individuals and businesses, enhance economic growth, and improve public services.
What’s in the Act?
The latest package includes initiatives to improve services, lower costs, and foster economic growth. Highlights of the proposed measures include:
- Environmental Protection Improvements:
- Grants the Lieutenant Governor in Council authority to prescribe circumstances under which property owners are restricted from filing site condition records in the Environmental Registry.
- Aims to enhance environmental oversight while removing outdated administrative barriers.
- Housing and Development Acceleration:
- Reduces administrative requirements for brownfield redevelopment, encouraging faster development of housing projects.
- Aligns with Ontario’s commitment to addressing housing shortages by facilitating timely construction initiatives.
- Family Law Reforms:
- Amends the Family Law Act to allow family arbitration awards for support or maintenance to be filed with courts and enforced as court orders.
- Provides clear legal pathways for enforcing arbitration agreements, benefiting families navigating legal disputes.
- Modernizing the Mining Sector:
- Establishes service standards under the Mining Act for processing applications, submissions, and filings.
- Introduces procedural predictability to support investment and operational efficiency in the mining industry.
- Education Sector Updates:
- Introduces the concept of “system principals” under the Education Act, who will lead or support multi-school functions and oversee managerial tasks.
- Strengthens governance and management flexibility across Ontario’s school boards.
- Long-Term Care Accessibility:
- Simplifies admission processes for long-term care facilities, improving accessibility and reducing stress for families navigating the healthcare system.
- Digital Infrastructure Management:
- Leverages digital tools to streamline infrastructure projects such as hospitals, highways, and transit systems, ensuring delivery within timelines and budgets.
- Election Finances Adjustments:
- Allows the Chief Electoral Officer to forgive debts incurred by political entities before January 1, 2017, under the Election Finances Act.
What is the government saying?
“Our government is taking decisive action to make it easier for Ontarians to access the services they need while reducing red tape that stifles economic growth. The Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, 2024 reflects our commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and modernizing government services to better serve the public.” – Mike Harris, Minister of Red Tape Reduction
What are others saying?
“We applaud the Ontario government’s focus on reducing burdensome regulations. Small businesses, in particular, benefit from these changes, as they free up resources that can be better directed toward innovation and growth.” – Julie Kwiecinski, Director of Provincial Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)