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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 91

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
June 08, 2023
Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023
  • This Explanatory Note provides an overview of Bill 91, which is an Act to enact two Acts, amend various Acts, and revoke various regulations. The bill includes amendments to several Acts, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario Act, the Arts Council Act, the Building Broadband Faster Act, the Business Corporations Act, the Cannabis Licence Act, and many others. The amendments cover a range of topics, including changes to the administration and governance of various organizations, regulations related to broadband projects, rules for meetings and voting, and provisions for immunity and liability of trustees and members. The bill also includes transitional provisions and regulations-making authorities. The specific details of each amendment can be found in the respective Schedules of the bill.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea (25)
  • Nay (25)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Explanatory Note states that it was written as a reader's aid to Bill 91 and does not form part of the law. This is a common practice in legislative drafting to provide additional information and context to help readers understand the purpose and effect of the proposed legislation. The Schedule 1 of Bill 91 amends the Art Gallery of Ontario Act. It removes references to the Minister of Culture and Communications and defines the term "Minister" as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport or such other member of the Executive Council as may be assigned the administration of the Act. This amendment clarifies the role and responsibilities of the Minister in relation to the Art Gallery of Ontario. The Schedule 2 amends the Arts Council Act. It changes the composition of the Council by increasing the number of members and removing the requirement for a chair, vice-chair, and 10 other members to serve for a term of three years. The Council now consists of a chair, vice-chair, and up to 10 other members serving at pleasure for up to three years. This amendment provides more flexibility in the appointment of members and allows for a more efficient functioning of the Council. The Schedule 3 amends the Building Broadband Faster Act, 2021. It permits the Minister to make regulations restricting what a municipality may treat as a condition of a consent, permit, or other approval or as a material deficiency or material issue for the purposes of section 10.1 of the Act. This amendment provides the Minister with the authority to regulate and standardize the requirements imposed by municipalities in relation to broadband projects, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process. The Schedule 4 amends the Business Corporations Act. It introduces various amendments to modernize and streamline the Act. Some of the highlights include allowing remote inspection of records, permitting meetings of shareholders or directors to be held entirely by telephonic or electronic means, and providing flexibility in voting methods. These amendments reflect the changing technological landscape and facilitate more efficient corporate governance. The Schedule 5 amends the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018. It allows for the transfer of retail operator licenses, cannabis retail manager licenses, or retail store authorizations between persons if the regulations permit such a transfer. This amendment provides flexibility and facilitates the transfer of licenses, allowing for more efficient operation of cannabis retail businesses. The remaining schedules of Bill 91 also introduce amendments to various Acts, such as the Building Broadband Faster Act, 2021, the Condominium

SteelmanSpren Against

  • The Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to reduce unnecessary regulations and promote economic growth in Ontario. The Act includes amendments to various existing Acts and the enactment of new Acts to streamline processes and remove barriers for businesses and organizations. One of the Acts amended by the Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 is the Art Gallery of Ontario Act. The amendments to this Act remove references to the Minister of Culture and Communications and redefine the term "Minister" to refer to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport or any other member of the Executive Council assigned the administration of the Act. These changes ensure that the Art Gallery of Ontario is aligned with the current government structure and allows for flexibility in assigning administrative responsibilities. Another Act amended by the Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 is the Business Corporations Act. The amendments to this Act allow for greater flexibility in conducting meetings and inspections by remote means, such as telephonic or electronic methods. This modernization of the Act reflects the advancements in technology and facilitates more efficient and convenient business operations. The Act also includes amendments to the Building Broadband Faster Act, 2021, which aim to expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure in Ontario. The amendments give the Minister the authority to make regulations restricting what a municipality can consider as conditions for consent or permits related to broadband projects. This change provides clarity and consistency in the regulatory framework for broadband development, ensuring that municipalities do not impose unnecessary barriers or requirements. Furthermore, the Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 introduces the Protecting Farmers from Non-Payment Act (Regulating Agricultural Product Dealers and Storage Operators), 2023. This Act replaces several existing Acts related to farm products payments, grains, and livestock. The new Act establishes regulations and procedures to protect farmers from non-payment and ensure fair practices in the agricultural industry. Overall, the Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 aims to create a more business-friendly environment in Ontario by reducing unnecessary regulations, promoting innovation, and streamlining processes. These changes are intended to support economic growth, attract investment, and create jobs in the province.
Royal Assent
  • June 8, 2023, noon
  • Read

Assembly Motion No. 4363

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
June 8, 2023, 10:15 a.m.
  • Bill 91
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 9
  • Bill 91, An Act to enact two Acts, amend various Acts and revoke various regulations.
Third Reading
  • May 31, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Motion No. 4293

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
May 31, 2023, 10:15 a.m.
  • Bill 91
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 9
  • Third Reading of Bill 91, An Act to enact two Acts, amend various Acts and revoke various regulations.
Second Reading
  • May 11, 2023, midnight
  • Passed
First Reading
  • April 3, 2023, midnight
  • Passed