Policy Blog

To address inefficiencies in the current manual-based death registration process, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) is working on a new Electronic Death Registration (EDR) system. The changes introduced by the new system will impact all user groups…

In a new paper for the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG) and The Urban Project, the late Richard M. Bird and Enid Slack review the current state of provincial-municipal equalization transfers in Canada and suggest ways to improve their design. The paper argues…

As you may recall, in the 2020 Ontario Budget, the Province announced a new optional small business property subclass. Amendments were filed on May 7, 2021 to O. Reg. 282/98 under the Assessment Act, O. Reg. 73/03 under the Municipal Act, 2001 and O. Reg. 121/07 under the City…

During his remarks to the Empire Club on Thursday November 25th, Minister Clark announced that he and Premier Ford will host a provincial-municipal housing summit for Ontario’s Big City Mayors and Regional Chairs. The summit, taking place on December 16th, will aim to identify…

The new federal Parliament resumed officially today with the Speech From the Throne. It was the first Throne Speech delivered by Governor General Mary Simon since she was installed this past summer. The Speech focused on several themes: Health; Economy; Climate action; Safter…

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow has come and gone, and as always there are potential impacts for the municipal sector. Many experts have regarded COP26 with unique urgency and as the most important COP since COP21 in Paris in 2015. In 2015…

Today Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2021 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario. The plan lays out how the Government intends to build the foundation for Ontario’s recovery by focusing on infrastructure, attracting investment and…

As a vital municipal association with membership roots that reach deep into every part of Ontario, AMCTO knows the challenges facing communities.  Across the province, local governments are confronted with ongoing challenges to meet the complex demands of a well-served and…

Today the Government announced 2022 funding allocations under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). As committed at the 2021 AMO Conference, the Government is maintaining both the structure of the OMPF and the program envelope at $500 million.  The OMPF supports 389…

Running an election is not an easy thing. There is a lot to consider, a lot to think about and a ton of planning that goes into delivering an election. That’s why AMCTO provides election training and education every four years. Our clerk members are already deep into election…