Ontario Makes a Move Towards Democracy

Sun, 21 Nov 2004 22:17:34 +0000

The democratic system in Ontario is going to become more accountable, but
Democracy Watch says new rules don't go far enough. The Ontario Minister for
Democratic Renewal, Michael Bryant, announced moves to fix the date of
elections, restrict government advertising leading up to elections, and give the
auditor general powers to report on debts and deficits. The government also
plans to consult with the public on changes to the political donations
and voting systems.

Democracy Watch has produced a list of things they would also like to see,
including citizens' associations, ethics legislation, more access to information, and
a change in the voting system that would reflect the popular vote.

» Democracy Watch: ONTARIO GOVERNMENT TAKES FIRST STEPS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC REFORMS, BUT MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE

» Canadian Press: Panel of Ontarians to consider revamping of province's electoral system

Greenbelt Legislation Gets First Reading

Sun, 14 Nov 2004 21:58:33 +0000

New legislation has been created in order to protect the environment and agricultural lands of the Golden Horseshoe, one of the fastest growing areas in Canada. In the past, development has been left up to the various municipalities and regions. On Oct. 28, the Ontario government announced a development freeze on about 7,000 square kilometres that stretch across the Niagara Peninsula, Hamilton, Halton, York, Peel, and Dufferin. The area to be protected is about the same size as Algonquin Park.

Some municipalities are complaining that their tax base will be smaller, and they won't have the money to fund higher density services such as public transportation. Some organizations, like the NEPTIS Foundation, have questioned why Toronto has been granted 72,000 hectares of land for growth, while smaller communities have not been granted a single acre. Others say the government needs to do more to encourage public transportation and agriculture by providing assistance in policies and funding. The legislation is in the draft phase, and several public consultations will take place in November.

» The Toronto Star: href="http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1100387408152&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News&pubid=968163964505&StarSource=email&DPL=IvsNDS%2f7ChAX&tacodalogin=yes">Will greenbelt halt sprawl?

»COPE-Citizens opposed to paving the escarpment: href="http://www.cope-nomph.org/task_force.shtml">Greenbelt public meetings

» Ontario Nature: href="http://www.ontarionature.org/news/template.php3?n_code=251">Take action to support the greenbelt

The Dominion - Shella Gardezi

Ontario Makes a Move Towards Democracy

Greenbelt Legislation Gets First Reading