Ontario is hoping to strengthen the integrity of local elections by clarifying campaign finance rules and creating new compliance and enforcement measures.
The Good Government Act, passed by the legislature last week, reforms the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 by:
– moving election day to the fourth Monday in October;
– making voting places more accessible; and
– creating new rules for the financing of local elections.
Those reforms, which also would impact the election of school board trustees, are in response to issues identified by councils, candidates, voters, and election administrators.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson said, "Strong municipal governments depend on a fair and efficient municipal elections process. These legislative reforms would strengthen the integrity of local elections."
Among the changes, there would be a new contribution limit of $5,000 per contributor in each jurisdiction.
Once the bill receives royal assent and proclamation, the amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 will become law.
The municipal elections process will again be reviewed following the 2010 local elections.
