Current and Future Legislation
Bill 37, the Protecting Students Act
- Education Minister Mitzie Hunter re-introduced this legislation on October 5, 2016. It amends the Ontario College of Teachers Act by addressing the 49 recommendations adopted by College Council stemming from a 2012 review of the College’s investigation and disciplinary practices and processes by former Ontario Chief Justice, the Honourable Patrick LeSage. The bill includes similar amendments to the Early Childhood Educators Act so that the two are more aligned.
- Royal Assent received on December 5, 2016.
Bill 45, Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016
- Attorney General Yasir Naqvi introduced this legislation on October 19, 2016. The bill includes recommendations made by Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer to promote voter participation and improve/modernize the election process. The legislation allows the 2018 provincial election to move from October to June and of a volunteer pre-voter for 16 and 17 year olds.
- OSPBA sent in a submission on November 28, 2016.
- Royal Assent received on December 8, 2016.
Bill 65, Safer School Zones Act, 2016
- Transportation Minister Steve Del Duca introduced the government’s new photo radar legislation, Bill 65, Safer School Zones Act on November 15, 2016. The bill would allow the use of “automated speed enforcement” technology in designated school and community zones.
- Bill remains at First Reading.
- Of note, Liberal MPP Mike Colle introduced Bill 90, Highway Traffic Amendment Act (School Safety Zones), on December 8, 2016. This bill has yet to be posted but will be reviewed for similarities to Bill 65.
Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2016
- Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro introduced this legislation on November 16, 2016. For school board trustees, the legislation includes 2 important amendments: changes to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (to add a range of penalties) and changes to the Municipal Elections Act that change the term start date for councillors and school board trustees (from December 1 to November 15).
- The bill remains at Second Reading Debate.
Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2016
Minister of Children and Youth Services Michael Coteau introduced this legislation on December 8, 2016. The bill, if passed, would put children at the centre of decision-making, support more accountable, responsive and accessible child and youth services and strengthen oversight for children’s aid societies and licensed residential services.
2017 Pre-Budget Consultations
The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has announced its dates for Pre-Budget Consultations. The Committee intends to hold public hearings in Toronto on December 1 and 8, 2016, and January 18, 2017; and in Dryden, Sudbury, Ottawa, and Windsor during the week of December 12, 2016; and in Peel Region and London from January 19 to 20, 2017. Written submission are to be sent to the clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017. The clerk, Eric Rennie, can be reached at erennie@ola.org
Renewed Child Care: Building a Better Future – A Discussion Paper for Transforming Early Years and Child Care in Ontario
- On November 23, 2016, new Associate Minister of Education, Indira Naidoo-Harris launched a new child care consultation paper. This discussion paper looks at four pillars:
- Access – to licensed child care and early years programs
- Parent Choice and Flexibility – in choosing and find child care in school, community and home settings
- Affordability – for differing income levels and geography
- Quality – through established province-wide outcomes
- The consultation paper online survey closes January 15, 2017. More information and the opportunity to submit feedback is available at: https://www.ontario.ca/morechildcare
Recent Announcements
- December 5, 2016 – The Ministry of Education announced New Supports for Coding and Computational Skills in Ontario Schools as part of Computer Science Education Week
- December 5, 2016 – Premier Wynne announced the provincial government will be developing an education accessibility standard to remove barriers for students in classrooms, curriculum and on school premises. OPSBA will be following up on this issue.
- December 8, 2016 – The Ministry of Education announced a new secondary school and Community Hub in Toronto. The new facility will accommodate approximately 900 high school students and an undisclosed number of licenced child care spaces. Ontario will spend $20 million on the project.
Provincial Education Event “Partners in Dialogue” Slide Decks
- On November 9 and 10, 2016, The Ministry of Education hosted a two-day provincial education event called, “Partners in Dialogue.” Day 1 included conversations about staff/student well-being and collaborative professionalism. Day 2 consisted of 3 separate streams: 1) 2017-2018 Education Funding Consultation Guide, 2) Early Years and the Renewed Early Years Policy Framework and 3) Well-Being.
Federal Electoral Reform
The Federal government has launched an online survey about electoral reform. Visit www.mydemocracy.ca/ for more information.