The letter to Attorney General Yasir Naqvi contains direction to "Introduce legislation in spring of 2017 to modernize the Construction Lien Act in order to strengthen the province’s construction sector and support the government’s economic plan for Ontario." This refers to the just released review by Bruce Reynolds called "Striking the Balance." At this writing, the detailed report has just been released and we will provide an overview and our response shortly. The Minister will oversee an extensive consultation of the recommendations over the next few months.
Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli’s letter includes a mandate to review and "publish the long-term Infrastructure Plan by the end of 2017." This will involve setting out the requirements for long-term infrastructure planning for the broader public sector by the spring, and align funding through the federal government’s new Building Canada Fund.
Labour Minister Kevin Flynn has additional responsibilities now that he is responsible for the Ontario College of Trades and the outstanding recommendations of the Report issued last year by Tony Dean. The letter directs him to "address outstanding concerns raised in relation to the Report on Supporting a Strong and Sustainable Ontario College of Trades including introducing legislation to amend the Act by the end of 2016."
OGCA and our colleagues in the Ontario Skilled Trades Coalition will be meeting with the Minister to encourage these amendments and provide support for the proposed legislation.
The Mandate letter also focuses on Occupational Health and Safety with a targeted focus on the construction and mining sectors.
Minister Flynn will be a special guest of OGCA with WSIB Chair Elizabeth Witmer and CPO George Gritziotis at our Safety Awards presentation on September 30, 2016.