Bill 5, Better Local Government Act, 2018 was introduced on July 30 by Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The legislation affects municipal and regional elections, including reducing the number of Toronto city council wards from 47 to 25 to match existing federal and provincial ridings.

Under very short timelines, the Toronto DSB will now have to re-determine the distribution of their 22 trustees to align with the 25 wards. Regulation 412 has been amended to include revised timelines, which will be revoked after the next municipal election.

Government House Leader Todd Smith confirmed that the summer session will continue with MPPs back in the House on August 7, 2018.

Bill 5, Better Local Government Act, 2018

• Introduced on July 30 by Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Current Status: Second Reading Debate.
• Ontario regulation 412/00 ELECTIONS TO AND REPRESENTATION ON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS – amendments made and filed on July 30.
• Letter sent by DM Bruce Rodrigues to school boards regarding this legislation.
• The TDSB has posted a Q&A on their web site about the proposed changes and deadlines.

Bill 5, Better Local Government Act, 2018

Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing