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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 157

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 06, 2024
Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2023
  • Bill 157, also known as the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2023, is an act that amends various acts related to the courts and other justice matters. The act consists of different schedules that amend specific acts, such as the Architects Act, Cannabis Control Act, Cannabis Licence Act, Community Safety and Policing Act, Coroners Act, Courts of Justice Act, Evidence Act, Execution Act, Family Law Act, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Justices of the Peace Act, Land Titles Act, Law Society Act, Legislation Act, and Juries Act. The amendments include provisions related to administrative penalties, jury questionnaires, administrative penalties for fire protection, and more. The act also includes provisions for the coming into force of certain provisions by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Bill 157 2023, also known as the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, aims to amend various Acts in relation to the courts and other justice matters. The Act consists of several schedules that amend different Acts, such as the Architects Act, Cannabis Control Act, Cannabis Licence Act, Community Safety and Policing Act, Coroners Act, Courts of Justice Act, Evidence Act, Execution Act, Family Law Act, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Justices of the Peace Act, Land Titles Act, Law Society Act, Legislation Act, and Juries Act. A steelman argument in favor of this bill could be that it seeks to improve access to justice by updating and modernizing various Acts related to the courts and justice matters. By amending these Acts, the government aims to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure that the justice system is more accessible and responsive to the needs of the public. These amendments may include provisions for administrative penalties, improved information sharing, updated procedures for juries, and other measures that promote fairness and effectiveness in the justice system. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to justice for all individuals and improve the functioning of the courts and justice system in Ontario.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: Bill 157, the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2023, is a prime example of government overreach and unnecessary regulation. This bill amends various Acts in relation to the courts and other justice matters, but it only serves to increase the power and control of the government over the legal system. Firstly, the bill introduces administrative penalties, allowing prescribed authorized persons to impose fines on individuals and organizations for contravening or not complying with provisions of the Act or regulations. This is a clear violation of individual rights and freedoms, as it gives government officials the power to act as judge, jury, and executioner. It undermines the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence, as individuals are penalized without the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law. Secondly, the bill expands the authority of the Ministry of the Attorney General to share information within the public sector. While the intention may be to improve efficiency and coordination, it raises serious concerns about privacy and the protection of personal information. The government should not have unfettered access to individuals' private information without proper safeguards and oversight. Furthermore, the bill grants the Lieutenant Governor in Council the power to name the dates on which certain provisions of the Act come into force. This allows the government to pick and choose when and how the law is applied, creating uncertainty and inconsistency in the legal system. It undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the justice system. Lastly, the bill introduces provisions for the appointment of limited license architects, which could potentially lower the standards and qualifications required for practicing architecture. This compromises public safety and the integrity of the profession, as individuals with limited experience and qualifications may be allowed to engage in architectural practice. In conclusion, Bill 157 is a prime example of the government's overreach and interference in the legal system. It undermines individual rights, privacy, and the rule of law. It is important to resist such encroachments on personal freedoms and advocate for limited government intervention in the justice system.
Royal Assent
  • March 6, 2024, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • March 5, 2024, noon
  • Passed
Second Reading
  • Feb. 28, 2024, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 05, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 04, 2023
First Reading
  • Nov. 30, 2023, noon
  • Passed