Bullentin 3:

Good Government Act 2009 (Bill 212)

The Good Government Act, 2009 (Bill 212) has been enacted by the Ontario Legislature.  This Act makes several amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.  Changes include, but are not limited to; key dates in the election calendar, the needs of candidates with disabilities, campaign financing rules and candidate contribution limits.  The Act will require voters to show identification when they vote and all voting locations must be accessible to voters with disabilities.

Nominations open on January 4, 2010.  If you are interested in becoming a candidate in the 2010 election please click on the "Canadidates" Tab.  If you have questions about where and how to vote, click on the "Voters" Tab.  If you are interested in working during the election, please click on the "Election Employment" Tab.  If you are a member of the media, please click on the "Media" Tab.

This site will be updated on a regular basis.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2010 IS MONDAY OCTOBER 25, 2010

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Bullentin 2:

December 4, 2009 - Update on Good Government Bill - Election Changes

Good Government Act Receives 3rd Reading

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Bulletin 1:

Good Government Bill Proposes Municipal Election Changes

Issue:   On October 27, 2009 the Honourable Chris Bentley, Attorney General, introduced a bill which would amend the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Quick Summary:

After each municipal election, the provincial government reviews the Act which governs the conduct of elections to determine any changes to improve the administration of elections.  The government has completed its review and proposes a number of changes to existing election practices.   Proposed changes include, but are not limited to:

Date Change - The legislation would move the election date forward to the fourth Monday of October.  The next municipal election would be held on October 25, 2010.

Campaign Financing - Campaign surpluses in future elections would go to the municipality.  Existing surpluses could be used by candidates for the election of 2010 only.  Fundraising limits would be increased from 70 cents per elector to 85 cents.  The bill would establish new contribution limits of $5,000 per contributor in each jurisdiction in addition to the existing limit of $750 per candidate.  The proposal provides for more detailed reporting requirements of election expenses for all campaigns.  In addition, municipal clerks would make all financial filings available in electronic format.

Compliance Audits and Financial Accountability - Responsibility for Compliance Audits would be shifted from Councils to an arms-length Compliance Committees of 3-7 citizens appointed by all Councils.  This would replace the current system in which Council’s may appoint or delegate such duties. 

Accessibility - The proposed changes would have regard for the needs of disabled voters and candidates.

Voters List - The change would permit municipalities and MPAC to use additional sources of personal information to improve the accuracy of the voters list.

STATUS OF THIS BILL: Bill 212, the Good Government Act, which is proposing these amendments has received first and second reading in the Provincial Legislature.  It is hoped that the third reading and royal assent will take place sometime in December 2009.