It is an honour to rise to participate in the conclusion of the government leadoff with respect to second reading debate for Bill 162, the Get It Done Act, 2024. I have been greatly informed by my colleagues who participated in this leadoff: the Minister of Transportation, the Associate Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

On behalf of my ministry, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, I’m here to highlight details of the proposed Get It Done Act, 2024, which, if passed, will impact every corner of Ontario, providing relief to millions of drivers, vehicle owners and users of Ontario photo cards.

Today, as I close the government leadoff in this debate, I wish to focus my remarks on two aspects of this important piece of legislation: relief for Ontarians from unnecessary increases in the costs of drivers’ licences and Ontario photo cards, and also reducing the elimination of the burden associated with licence plate renewals.

Since first forming government in 2018 and given a second mandate by the Ontario population in 2022, our government and my ministry have been focusing our efforts on delivering customer-centred services to the hard-working people and the businesses of our province. And we continue to do just that through ServiceOntario, our hub for service delivery for the province and the public face of government.

Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making real, meaningful changes for Ontarians through this signature omnibus bill. The less time Ontarians spend renewing vehicle licence plates means more time to do the things that matter most to them, and in doing so, we are strengthening trust in their government to act in their best interests. At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, and are busier than ever with work, family and social obligations, our government has taken the initiative to help them keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets—where it belongs—and save them time by making government services simpler, faster and better.

With the cost of living continually rising, individuals and businesses alike are burdened with various financial obligations. That is why our Ontario Progressive Conservative government is leading the fight to ensure affordability and to reduce costs and burdens. It has become more essential than ever to explore ways in which we can unburden Ontarians and help alleviate some of these pressures.

By eliminating or freezing certain government fees, we can put money back in the pockets of our fellow citizens and residents, while stimulating economic growth. We understand that these fees, such as those for permits and licences, as well as taxes and fines, contribute to the overall cost of living for individuals and for the operational expenses of businesses. One of the key benefits of eliminating or freezing government fees is the potential for increased consumer spending. When individuals have more disposable income, they are likely to spend it more on goods and services, thereby boosting local businesses and contributing to overall economic prosperity.

As a government, we strive to bring forward policies that can lead to job creation and more robust and thriving communities across our great province.

Allow me to explain more about an initiative in Bill 162, the Get It Done Act, 2024, that my ministry is particularly proud to work with the Ministry of Transportation on bringing forward, and that is the introduction of automatic licence plate renewals. We are building on our government’s decision just two years ago, in 2022, to eliminate licence plate renewal fees for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds, enabling vehicle owners to save $120 a year in southern Ontario and $60 a year in northern Ontario. The elimination of these sticker fees was overwhelmingly endorsed in the election of 2022 by the people of this province.

With our latest proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act, we are paving the way for the transition to the automatic renewal of licence plates because it is essential, notwithstanding the elimination of sticker fees and the use of stickers, to ensure that licence plates are renewed. It is very important to note that this automatic renewal process will be available only to drivers in good standing; this means drivers who do not have outstanding fines, tolls or tickets and have up-to-date automobile insurance. Starting this summer 2024, this new process will begin to save drivers time by automating the licence plate renewal process, resulting in saving more than 900,000 hours each year for vehicle owners.

In the meantime, before the automatic renewal process begins in summer 2024, vehicle owners will still need to renew their licence plates at no cost. This can be done online or in person at a ServiceOntario outlet. Additionally, the Get It Done Act, 2024, will legislate the current freeze on driver’s licence and Ontario photo card fees, which has resulted in savings for people totalling $22 million since 2019. It is anticipated it will help save an additional $66 million overall for the remainder of this decade.

Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are reducing burden on Ontarians and saving their valuable time and money by streamlining and improving government services, continuing to freeze fees and strengthening protections against rising costs. The introduction of the Get It Done Act, 2024, is evidence of our government’s commitment to let the people and businesses of this province keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets while modernizing the services we all rely upon.

This legislation is a catalyst for positive change, one ensuring that our citizens and residents are respected and saved from the financial obligation of increasing fees when paying to renew their drivers’ licences and when obtaining an Ontario photo card. If passed, this bill will play a valuable role in empowering the citizens and businesses of Ontario by giving them a leg-up and making ends meet more easily. I’m proud to stand here and say that we are well on the path to achieving this with the introduction of this bill.

A growing number of passenger vehicles are on the roads. This multi-faceted piece of legislation promises to be a game-changer for the millions of vehicle owners who call Ontario home. The Get It Done Act, 2024, has garnered significant support from all stakeholders across the board. The president of the Ontario Motor Coach Association has commended our government’s efforts and our actions with this proposed legislation. His Worship, the mayor of Pickering, Kevin Ashe, whose father served in this House and served in my ministry four decades ago, applauded this proposed legislation as a common-sense approach and responsible governance.

We are grateful for all the support and feedback we have received across the province from ordinary citizens and stakeholders. My colleagues and I look forward to continuing debate on this key piece of legislation, as I’m sure many will have valuable feedback on this proposed bill.

Again, we are streamlining and improving government services, freezing unnecessary fees and strengthening protections against increasing costs. Rest assured, Speaker, your government continues to work for you to improve the daily lives of Ontarians.