Legislative Update – April 12, 2022

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario will be adjourning for a constituency week beginning April 18, 2022 and will return April 25, 2022.

Current Legislation

Bill 106, Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness Act, 2022

This proposed legislation was introduced on March 29, 2022 by Treasury Board President Prabmeet Sarkaria. This bill would amend several pieces of legislation to implement the government’s new preparedness plan for future public health emergencies.
Current Status: Consideration of a Bill at the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (April 6, 2022)

Bill 88, Working for Workers Act, 2022

This proposed legislation was introduced on February 28, 2022 by Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton. It contains five Schedules or changes to various Acts, including Schedule 2, Employment Standards Act, 2000. The bill will most likely come back to the House next week for Third Reading.
Current Status: Third Reading  (April 7, 2022)

Federal Budget

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has announced the federal government’s Budget 2022 entitled A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable. The budget includes Chapter 7: Moving Forward on Reconciliation, which outlines the government’s pledge to “work with Indigenous peoples to improve housing infrastructure, to support education and child care, to take action on the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.” Specifically, it is to provide “$1.2 billion over five years to invest in the future of First Nations children by strengthening elementary and secondary education.”  Click here for more information.

2022 Municipal and School Board Elections

The Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC), on behalf of the four school board/trustee associations (including OPSBA) began distribution of the first set of resources to support trustee candidates and communities in the upcoming October 24, 2022, Municipal and School Board Elections. These are posted on the school board elections website and include:

The resources were sent to municipal clerks via their association (AMCTO), all school board staff that are responsive for elections, and an extensive distribution list of community stakeholders and equity-seeking groups (i.e., parents, community groups, libraries, PICs, SEAC, Indigenous organizations, BIAs, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, education partners and more). School boards were asked to share the resources with their own distribution lists as well. Trustees play a key leadership role in setting the strategic direction for their local school board and ensuring local accountability for student success and well-being.

Additionally, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) has posted their municipal and school board elections guides for 2022 at www.ontario.ca/municipalelections. These include the:

  • 2022 Voters’ guide
  • 2022 Candidates guide
  • 2022 Guide for third party advertisers

Registration for OPSBA’s 2022 AGM and Program – ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Re-Connecting and Making a Difference – June 9 to 11, 2022 at the Westin Hotel in downtown Ottawa

OPSBA looks forward to welcoming members back in-person at the 2022 AGM and Program. Join us to determine priorities and directions for the coming year, elect officers and plan for the future. The event also features dynamic keynotes from Nik Nanos and “Brittlestar” Stewart Reynolds, professional development sessions and engaging opportunities for trustees to network and re-connect.

The AGM program begins Thursday, June 9 in the evening, with registration starting at 6 p.m., followed by a welcome reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration will continue on Friday morning and the formal event will kick off at 9 a.m. The AGM will conclude with the Presidents’ Dinner on Saturday, June 11.

Book your stay by phone: 1-888-236-2427 – Quote “OPSBA Meeting June 2022”
Online: Book Your Group Rate | Marriott International

Supporting Ukraine

The Premier announced supports for Ukrainians in the news release entitled Province Helping Ukrainians Find Jobs in Ontario. In addition, the Ministry of Education released Memo SB9 which states “(Ukrainian) students can attend school for free in Ontario, along with targeting enhanced mental health supports.” More information can be found in the April 6, 2022, Memo SB09, Supporting Ukrainian students who have been granted an emergency authorization to enter into or remain in Canada and Ontario Regulation 20/10: Fees For Non-Permanent Residents – Exemptions.

Other News Releases and Information