Ontario municipalities support new ethics rules, seek changes to Buy Ontario policy

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario says it supports new provincial ethics regulations but wants practical changes to Buy Ontario procurement rules.

AMO submitted its formal feedback regarding the provincial consultation on regulations under the Municipal Accountability Act, 2026, which are intended to take effect on Nov. 15.

"AMO’s position is that municipal elected officials must be held to high ethical standards through an accessible Integrity Commissioner process," the association said in a statement.

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"At the same time, local democracy must be protected from politically motivated or inappropriate complaints to avoid misuse of the system."

AMO said it supports the draft regulations, which reflect its earlier recommendations, and that a standardized framework will help strengthen public confidence, fairness, and consistency across municipalities.

The association said a few targeted refinements will further strengthen the framework.

Procurement changes sought

Separately, AMO has joined with key infrastructure construction partners to ask the province for practical improvements to the Buy Ontario procurement framework.

In a joint letter, the groups outlined four recommendations intended to make the rules easier to follow, reduce costs for municipalities, and help more Ontario- and Canada-based businesses compete for municipal contracts.

AMO said it has heard from members that the Buy Ontario Act requirements have introduced red tape that makes it more difficult for local companies to comply while increasing the cost of major infrastructure projects.

This joint advocacy follows a letter sent by Minister Flack to municipalities expressing the provincial government’s expectation that municipalities comply with Buy Ontario policies and maximize the use of domestic goods and services during procurement.

The letter indicates that in cases of non-compliance, the government will reconsider provincial funding made available to municipalities.

Minister Flack’s letter also included a reference to the Building Ontario Business Initiative being expanded to municipalities.

AMO is seeking clarity from the province on when and how BOBI may be extended to municipalities in the future.

In other advocacy, AMO has sent a letter to the Minister of Transportation about the proposal to expand the Provincial Rideshare Framework to all municipalities, which would upload regulation of rideshare services and replace local municipal by-laws.

The association also welcomed provincial amendments to the Tires Regulation in response to concerns about tire collection and diversion, saying the changes reflect advocacy for stronger producer responsibility requirements.

On housing, AMO noted the official launch of the Canada Rental Protection Fund by Build Canada Homes, a federal Crown corporation.

The $1.5 billion national fund is designed to protect at-risk rental properties and strengthen community ownership by providing a mix of grants and low-cost financing for acquisition of existing buildings.

The initiative aims to safeguard 7,000 affordable homes over its first five years.

This week, the federal and provincial governments also announced a four-year extension to the Canada, Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Through the extension, Ontario will receive nearly $12 billion in federal funding over the next four years, from March 31, 2027, to March 31, 2031.

AMO and the province said the funding will maintain current parent fees at an average of $19 a day for families, with maximum fees no higher than $22 per day, until June 30, 2027.

Provincial-federal negotiations continue for the provincial share of an additional $5.4 billion.