2024

Premier Lashes Out at Feds Over Bail: Premier Doug Ford has once again slammed the federal government over bail laws when it comes to repeat offenders. “We need the federal government to change the Criminal Code once and for all, and stop being a bunch of bleeding hearts,” Ford said at an unrelated news conference on Tuesday.

Early Election May Be on the Horizon: In the latest sign Ontario could be heading toward an early election, the Progressive Conservative Party will begin nominating candidates in a matter of weeks, including sitting ministers who plan to run again. At the end of May, Ontario Premier Doug Ford sent opposition parties scrambling to prepare for a snap poll when he repeatedly refused to rule out calling an early election.

Provincial Consultation on PPNs: The Ontario Ministry of Finance has announced a 60-day public comment period asking insurance companies, pharmacy operators, consumers and employers to help the government better understand the role of “preferred provider networks” (PPNs) in the province’s group benefits insurance sector. The government is considering whether new regulations are needed to limit exclusivity deals between insurers and pharmacies.

Ontario Education Minister Resigns: Minister Todd Smith is resigning effective immediately. He has accepted a job in the private sector. Smith has served in cabinet since Premier Doug Ford's government was first elected in 2018, but spent the longest amount of time in the energy portfolio. He spent less than three months as education minister.

New Hospital in Waterloo: The University of Waterloo has been chosen as the site for the newest state-of-the-art hospital, which is expected to open in 2035. The government is investing nearly $50 billion in health infrastructure over the next 10 years, including adding 3,000 new beds.

New Marching Orders for Cabinet: The premier handed out fresh mandate letters to his ministers on Thursday as his new election-focused team met for their first in-person cabinet meeting at Queen’s Park. The content of those mandate letters, however, will remain hidden from the public view as the Ford government upholds a practice of cabinet secrecy, endorsed by the Supreme Court.

SCJ OKs Class Action by Immigration Detainees: The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has certified a class-action lawsuit against the federal government regarding the use of provincial jails for immigration detainees. The suit represents 8,360 people who were detained in 87 provincial and territorial jails by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) between 2016 and 2023. The claim seeks $100 million dollars in damages, to be divided among the complainants if they win.

Nine Judges Appointed to OCJ: The Ontario government has announced the appointment of nine new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective July 11, 2024.

PCs Polling About Going to the Polls: Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives are apparently pretty serious about possibly triggering an election ahead of schedule. Global News is reporting that Campaign Research, the preferred polling firm of the Ontario PCs, recently asked voters whether they would support early election calls from both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford.

Three Judges Appointed to Superior Court: The Hon. Arif Virani, minister of justice and attorney general of Canada, announced three appointments to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario on Tuesday.