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Policy Blog

Regular Sector Policy & Advocacy Updates

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As an Association, we are proud to partner with eScribe to support research examining the state of the Ontario clerk's office. Understanding the lived experiences and perspectives of Ontario municipal clerks helps us better serve and support our clerk members, and advance our…
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) have developed joint principles to guide the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. According to the IPC, these principles are designed to help…
As part of the Province’s pre-budget consultations, AMCTO has put together a 2026 pre-budget submission that focuses on recommendations to modernize municipal operations, enabling municipalities to use their resources more effectively and ensuring they have the necessary tools…
The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) of Ontario has released its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, outlining the office’s goals and strategies for the next four years. Within the new plan, the IPC has highlighted a few key updates that may be of interest to members, including…
As an Association, we continue to seek opportunities to support academic research that may benefit members and advance our advocacy initiatives. Part of our policy and government relations advocacy framework's objective includes serving as a conduit for municipal sector research…
The Ministry of the Solicitor General is seeking input on proposed amendments to the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015, through Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025, to enable the Solicitor General to set service standards for police record checks as well as help…
The Ontario Court of the Drainage Referee has decided that Ontario’s Drainage Act, 1990, applies to federal railways, and—like all landowners—they must pay the cost of municipal drainage work apportioned to their property. The decision comes from litigation between the…
The Ministry of Finance is seeking input into the development of the province’s 2026 budget. Municipalities and other interested parties can participate through taking a survey, providing a written submission, and/or attending a pre-budget consultation hearing. Submissions are…
The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) is initiating the periodic maintenance of its standard released last year: National Standard of Canada CAN/DGSI 111-1, Online Voting – Part 1: Implementation of Online Voting in Canadian Municipal Elections.  The standard…
On November 4, Prime Minister Carney’s Government announced its first budget since taking office this spring. The budget places a large focus on investing in infrastructure, reducing operational spending, and strengthening the economy by increasing productivity and…
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