Legislative Week in Review

• Legislative Week in Review
• March 22, 2018

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Legislative Week in Review: March 19th -22nd, 2018

In the House

 

 This week we debated:

• Speech from the Throne

 

On Monday, the Lieutenant Governor delivered the Speech from the Throne. The Speech outlines the government’s agenda for the legislative session. It includes bold action to enhance health care, home care and mental health care. Since the Speech was delivered, the Premier has announced an expansion of OHIP+ to cover 4,400 prescription medications for seniors aged 65+ and an historic  $2.1 billion investment in mental health care.        

On Tuesday, the Minister of Labour re-introduced Bill 3, Pay Transparency Act, 2018. The Bill would, if passed require all publically advertised job postings to include a salary rate or range, bar employers from asking a candidate about past compensation, prohibit reprisals against employees who discuss or disclose compensation, and establish a framework to require large employers to track and report compensation gaps based on gender and other characteristics. This is part of the government’s strategy to advance women’s economic empowerment.

Also on Tuesday, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services re- introduced Bill 6, Correctional Services Transformation Act, 2018. This Bill would, if passed transform the adult correctional system to improve outcomes for those in custody and those being released.

Finally on Tuesday, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services re-introduced Bill 8, Access to Consumer Credit Reports and Elevator Availability Act, 2018. This Bill would, if passed give consumers easier access to credit information and improve access to elevators.

 

In Private Members’ Business

Bill 15, Taxpayer Protection Amendment Act, 2018 sponsored by PC MPP Randy Hillier was defeated in the House. Both the NDP members and government members voted together to defeat Bill 15. The Bill would have, if passed simply increased the number of unnecessary legislative steps to raise taxes. The government remains committed to the best use of tax dollars and recently announced investments to expand OHIP+ to cover 4,400 prescription medications for seniors aged 65+ and an historic $2.1 billion investment in mental health care.  

Bill 14, Personal Information Protection Act, 2018 sponsored by Liberal MPP Harinder Takhar passed second reading in the House. The Bill would, if passed bolster the protection of personal information provided to organizations or private enterprises. 

Bill 4, the Magna Carta Day Act, 2018 sponsored by PC MPP Julia Munro also passed second reading in the House. The Bill would, if passed proclaim June 15 each year as Magna Carta Day.

 

In Committee

Public Hearings:

• NA

Clause by Clause Consideration:

• NA