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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 139

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 04, 2023
Less Red Tape, More Common Sense Act, 2023
  • Bill 139, also known as the Less Red Tape, More Common Sense Act, 2023, is an act that amends various existing acts in Ontario. The amendments include changes to the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act, the Algoma University Act, the Charities Accounting Act, the Commodity Futures Act, the Corporations Act, the Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act, the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario Act, the Modernizing Ontario for People and Businesses Act, the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, the Nipissing University Act, the Ontario College of Art & Design University Act, the Ontario Heritage Act, the Professional Engineers Act, the Retirement Homes Act, the Securities Act, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission Act, the Université de L’Ontario français Act, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Act, and the Ontario Heritage Act. These amendments cover a range of topics, including changes to financial reporting requirements for agricultural and horticultural organizations, exceptions to term limits for board members serving as chairs, changes to notice requirements under the Charities Accounting Act, reduction of the minimum period for public consultation on proposed rules under various acts, changes to the continuance of social companies under the Corporations Act, changes to deposit requirements for credit unions, repealing sections of the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, changes to the period for public consultation on proposed rules under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario Act, changes to the definition of "Minister" and "businesses" under the Modernizing Ontario for People and Businesses Act, changes to fines under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, updates and expansions to enforcement provisions under the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, changes to term limits for board members of Nipissing University, Ontario College of Art & Design University, Université de L’Ontario français, and University of Ontario Institute of Technology, changes to consent requirements for alterations to buildings under the Ontario Heritage Act, changes to forms and delivery methods under the Professional Engineers Act, and repealing a section of the Retirement Homes Act. These amendments aim to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency in various sectors and industries in Ontario.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Explanatory Note states that it was written as a reader's aid to Bill 139 and does not form part of the law. This is a steelman argument in favor of including such an explanatory note in legislation. Including an Explanatory Note in legislation provides important context and clarification for readers, helping them to better understand the purpose and intent of the law. It serves as a guide to interpreting the legislation and can help prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations. By explicitly stating that the Explanatory Note does not form part of the law, it ensures that readers understand that the note is not legally binding and does not have the same authority as the actual legislation. This helps to maintain the integrity of the law while still providing valuable information to readers. Furthermore, including an Explanatory Note can enhance transparency and accountability in the legislative process. It allows legislators to provide additional information and reasoning behind the provisions of the law, making it easier for the public to understand the rationale behind specific decisions. Overall, the inclusion of an Explanatory Note in legislation can contribute to a more informed and accessible legal system, promoting clarity, understanding, and public trust in the law.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • The Less Red Tape, More Common Sense Act, 2023, also known as Bill 139, aims to amend various Acts in Ontario. While the intention behind this bill may be to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic red tape, there are concerns from a right-wing perspective regarding the role of government and potential negative consequences. One argument against this bill is that it expands government control and regulation over various sectors. For example, in Schedule 1, the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act is amended to require prescribed financial information instead of audited financial statements. This change could increase the burden on organizations and potentially lead to more government interference in their operations. Right-wing individuals often advocate for limited government intervention and believe that businesses and organizations should have more autonomy. Additionally, in Schedule 3, the Charities Accounting Act is amended to remove the requirement for a person to give written notice to the Public Guardian and Trustee if they receive property for religious, educational, charitable, or public purposes. This change could be seen as reducing transparency and oversight, which is a concern for those who believe in fiscal responsibility and accountability. Furthermore, in Schedule 5, the Corporations Act is amended to remove the requirement for separate votes by each class of shareholders for the continuance of social companies. This change could be seen as undermining the rights of shareholders and potentially favoring certain classes of shareholders over others. Right-wing individuals often emphasize the importance of individual rights and free-market principles. Overall, opponents of this bill may argue that it expands government control, reduces transparency and accountability, and undermines individual rights and free-market principles. They may advocate for less government intervention and more reliance on market forces to drive economic growth and innovation.
Royal Assent
  • Dec. 4, 2023, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • Nov. 21, 2023, noon
  • Passed
Second Reading
  • Nov. 9, 2023, noon
  • Passed
First Reading
  • Oct. 19, 2023, noon
  • Passed