Ontario Government Introduces “Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario” Act

OSPE celebrates the Ontario Government’s introduction of the Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario Act on November 23. This act, if passed, will implement measures to strengthen provincial supply chains, make government services easier to access, and boost Ontario’s economic competitiveness.

The complete Red Tape Reduction package includes 28 initiatives. The following are most relevant to our members:

Amending the Ontario Energy Board Act

The government is making it easier to build new electricity transmission projects that are fully customer-funded, thereby expediting projects that bring jobs to the province. The government amended O. Reg. 161/99 of the Ontario Energy Board Act to exempt these projects from the leave to construct process, recognizing that there is no impact to electricity ratepayers.

Simplifying Testing/Reporting Requirements for the Petroleum Industry

The government is proposing amendments that would reduce unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens on the petroleum sector by aligning Ontario’s regulations with national standards and those of other Canadian jurisdictions.

Working with Indigenous Partners

The government will work with Indigenous businesses and communities to better understand and address barriers to accessing government business support programs and procurement opportunities.

Supporting Ontario’s Workplace Insurance & Compensation System

The government is proposing a number of legislative amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) that would improve the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)’s operational efficiency and reduce undue administrative burden.

Enabling Carbon Storage in Ontario

The government is addressing barriers to the underground geological storage of carbon by proposing to amend the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act as a first step in creating a framework to regulate and enable permanent storage of carbon as a new tool to help reduce Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Updating the Highway Corridor Management System

The government is making improvements to Ontario’s highway corridor management system to provide a seamless and integrated online platform for approvals and permits along provincial highways.

Reviewing the use of Corporate Performance Rating (CPR) for Engineering Services procurement

The government is reviewing the CPR system, focusing more on the price and technical proposal when evaluating bids for engineering services in order to make the procurement process simpler to administer and fairer for all participants.

Optimizing Reduced Load Periods

The Ministry of Transportation, in partnership with the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA), is creating frost depth prediction models that would provide municipalities with the option to optimize the timing of Reduced Load Periods, including shortening the period when conditions permit.


For more details, and to view the complete Red Tape Reduction package, visit the Government Newsroom.

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