AMO Seeks Legislative Action on Key Bills

Proposals on unpaid fines, waste diversion are key priorities

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is urging provincial legislators to move forward now on two key bills that address municipal priorities and would provide property taxpayers with much-needed relief.

Bill 34 aims to help municipalities recoup millions of dollars in unpaid provincial offences fines. The proposal would deny license plates for unpaid fines related to violations such as speeding, careless driving and driving with no insurance. It would also make it easier for municipalities to pursue out-of-province drivers who run red lights or fail to stop for school buses.

Known as the Highway Traffic Statute Law Amendment Act, the bill was introduced in March with support from all three parties, but has not yet received second reading.

"Municipalities need these tools to ensure that justice is served and that people are held responsible for their actions", said AMO president Russ Powers. "The total amount of unpaid fines in Ontario grows by $1 million every week. We need this legislation to fix that and the sooner the better".

As well, the provincial legislature should move Bill 91, the Waste Reduction Act, beyond second reading. The proposal provides for more industry funding for waste diversion and encourages companies to create and package products in a way that is better for the environment.

Moving this bill on to Standing Committee would promote new approaches to waste diversion and provide property taxpayers relief from rising waste management costs.

"These two bills reflect the hard work of municipal leaders and provincial policy makers. They should be moved through the legislature as soon as possible", Mr. Powers said. "Ontarians are counting on their provincial legislators to come together and to do their part to help their municipal governments".

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments. AMO supports and enhances strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada's political system.

SOURCE: Association of Municipalities of Ontario

For further information:

Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425, [e-mail]
Follow AMO on Twitter: @AMOPolicy