Legislative Update – February 19, 2019

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario returns February 19, 2019. Following is an update on legislation that OPSBA is monitoring and other recent items.

Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act

On December 6, Economic Development Minister Todd Smith introduced Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act. The omnibus bill includes changes to 12 different ministries and proposes to change business regulations relating to toxic chemicals, employment standards, child care caps, safety in assembly plants, pawnbrokers, food safety testing, wireless cellphone contracts, agriculture, water extraction permits, wastewater treatment, private career colleges and more. OPSBA is reviewing the proposed changes to the Education Act and the Child Care and Early Years Act.
Current Status: First Reading

Bill 56, Keeping Students Safe on School Buses Act

This bill was introduced on November 14 by Liberal education critic Kathleen Wynne. If passed, the legislation would make seat belts mandatory on forward-facing school bus seats by 2020.
Current Status: Referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy

Bill 48, Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act

On October 25, Minister of Education Lisa Thompson introduced Bill 48, Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act. The legislation, if passed, would require teachers to pass a math test before getting licensed and would revoke teaching certificates from teachers disciplined by the profession’s regulatory body for committing sexual abuse against a student or child. The bill also proposes an amendment regarding the use of service animals in schools and classrooms. OPSBA will continue to review the proposed changes with the Policy Development and Education Program work teams.
Current Status: Second Reading

Hiring Practices and Class Size Consultations

Earlier this week, OPSBA provided the Ministry of Education with a submission for regulation consultation on Hiring Practices (Ontario Regulation 274/12) and Class Size (Ontario Regulation 132/12). Our submission was based on feedback after consulting with member boards via their trustees (at the Public Education Symposium session), HR leads (senior negotiators), the Association’s Labour Relations Steering Committee, senior staff input and past commentary. The consultation deadline is February 22, 2019.

Other information