by Temple Scott Associates

The 2023 Winter Session of the Ontario Legislature opens on Tuesday February 21. When the Legislative Assembly adjourned in December, the Government had very little business on their legislative docket. Of Government bills introduced since the 2022 election, only one, Bill 46, Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario Act, 2023, remained awaiting next legislative steps. This bill will likely be reported from committee within in short period and considered at Third Reading debate.

Bill 88, the “Working for Workers Act, 2022” has been passed but is awaiting regulations in order to be implemented. It is however, an undefined process. While we have been told to expect something in the spring, a bill could be waiting forever for regs and there is never any public intelligence on that until and if the government decides to post for public consultation.,

With all of this in mind, expect the government to immediately introduce a slew of bills within the next few weeks, filling its immediate legislative calendar.

The highlight of this Legislative session will be the presentation of Budget 2023 by Finance Minister, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy (Pickering-Uxbridge). This will be done before the end of March. Responding to the growing challenges within the province’s health care system will likely be the dominate feature in this budget, followed closely by building conditions for expanded, affordable housing across the province.

The government is aware of a looming recession, and while being mindful of the pending federal budget, the province will need to lay the foundation for ensuring that Ontario’s economy remains steady. The ripples established by the pandemic have ensured uncertainty in many sectors. Minister Bethlenfalvy will need to consider how he can address those issues while maintaining consumer confidence.

Provincial byelection:

On February 15th, a writ was issued under Section 9.1 of the Election Act for a byelection in the electoral district of Hamilton Centre. This was caused by the resignation of NDP Leader Andrea Horwath last year and under the Election Act, elections must be called on a Wednesday and held the fifth Thursday after the date of the issue of the writ.

Voting day will be March 16, 2023.