[fvc-wat-disc] Fwd: Ontario Passes Legislation to Allow Ranked Ballot Option for Municipal Elections

[Bob Jonkman]

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Forwarded to me by a friend:

- ---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ontario News <newsroom at ontario.ca>
Date: Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 12:22 PM
Subject: Ontario Passes Legislation to Allow Ranked Ballot Option for
Municipal Elections
To: aleksandra at waterlooregion.org


News Release
Ontario Passes Legislation to Allow Ranked Ballot Option for Municipal
Elections

http://news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2016/06/ontario-passes-legislation-to-allow-ranked-ballot-option-for-municipal-elections.html

June 7, 2016

Province Modernizes Municipal Elections

Today Ontario passed legislation to give municipalities the option of
using ranked ballots in future municipal elections, beginning in 2018.

The Municipal Elections Modernization Act, 2016
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=3873
 reforms the Municipal Elections Act
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/96m32 . It will increase
transparency and accountability by:

 - Making campaign finance rules clearer and easier to follow for
voters, candidates and contributors
 - Banning corporate and union contributions to candidates
 - Creating a framework to regulate third-party advertising, including
contribution and spending limits, and to define third-party
advertising as advertisements supporting or opposing a candidate
 - Shortening the length of campaigns by opening nominations for
candidates on May 1 instead of January 1
 - Requiring the municipal clerk to prepare a plan regarding the
identification, removal and prevention of barriers that could affect
electors and candidates with disabilities
 - Making it easier to add or change certain information on the
voters' list.

Enhancing transparency and accountability and allowing more choice in
municipal elections is part of the government's economic plan to build
Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority - growing the
economy and creating jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in
talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the
jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and
university education. The plan is also making the largest investment
in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a
low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented
businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more
secure retirement.

ontario.ca/municipalelections http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page11112.aspx

QUICK FACTS

 - No Canadian jurisdiction currently uses ranked ballots.
 - A public review of the Municipal Elections Act took place between
May 2015 and July 2015. The Municipal Elections Modernization Act,
2016 is based on input from across Ontario, including more than 3,400
submissions from the public, municipal councils and staff.
 - There are 444 municipalities in Ontario.

 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

   - Changes to the Municipal Elections Act
http://news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2016/06/changes-to-the-municipal-elections-act.html


 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

   - Ranked ballots http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page11120.aspx

 QUOTES

"We listened to the calls from voters to ensure that rules for
municipal elections reflect the real and evolving needs of our
communities. The Municipal Elections Modernization Act clarifies the
rules and will allow municipalities to consider the option of using
ranked ballots. " — Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing

"Campaign Fairness is pleased to see Ontario pass legislation that
bans corporate and union donations to candidates of a municipal
election. We are entering a new era in Ontario that will make politics
accessible and accountable, level the playing field for all
candidates, and restore respect for the political system." — Robert
Eisenberg , Co-Founder & President Campaign Fairness

"The passing of Bill 181 is an historic moment. For the first time in
Ontario’s history, people have access to an alternative to first past
the post. RaBIT, Unlock Democracy and other ranked ballot groups are
hopeful to see a 2018 municipal election that will achieve majority
support for the winner, discourage negative campaigning and reduce
strategic voting." — Katherine Skene, Ranked Ballot Initiative Toronto

 CONTACTS

Conrad Spezowka Communications 416-585-7066 Conrad.Spezowka at ontario.ca

Mark Cripps Minister’s Office 416-585-6842 Mark.Cripps at ontario.ca

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing http://www.ontario.ca/municipal



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