NEW LAWS AND PROGRAMS IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO

Ontario is introducing a new law aimed at helping municipalities in the effort of removing homeless camps from public parks. The draft law proposes the introduction of fines and prison sentences for illegal use of drugs in public.

Premier Doug Ford is quoted as saying, "Families should be able to enjoy the parks freely. The individuals facing homelessness, addiction or mental health challenges should be supported in the right ways and appropriate environments. These camps are taking over public spaces, and illegal drug use is taking place in these areas. This is creating huge security risks for people and communities. Enough is enough. This must be stopped, and it will stop.”

The bill would increase penalties for repeat offenders of illegal possession of narcotics. To add, "continuous obstruction" would also be an aggravating circumstance that the courts would consider at the time of sentencing.

The bill would also allow municipal and provincial officers to arrest individuals who use illegal drugs in public, with fines of up to $10,000 or six months in prison.

The government is considering allowing the courts to provide rehabilitation as an alternative to prison for minor or non-violent drug related crimes.

Expansion of Nutrition Programs in Ontario's Schools

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced an agreement with the Government of Ontario to increase school food programs in the province. This agreement, as part of the Federal Government's National School Food Program, will provide healthy meals for 160,000 more children in Ontario this school year. In addition to making school prep and the morning rush much easier and less stressful, this program will also save families hundreds of dollars. As a result of this initiative, it is estimated that a family with two children will annually save $800 on their grocery bill.

In addition to increasing funding to school food programs, this initial federal investment of $108.5 million over a period of three years, will also help contribute to reduced costs for food, transportation, storage and preparation equipment. The program will provide more than 9.8 million meals for children.

The National School Food Program is a direct investment in the middle class. It's also a safety net for children who need this support the most. Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds is quoted as saying "Children who are not hungry learn better. They play more and feel stronger."

The federal government has said, "We will work with provinces, territories and indigenous partners to ensure that every child in Canada has the food they need while in school."

Preliminary negotiations for the construction of a new nuclear power plant

The Ford government has taken the first step toward building a major new nuclear power plant near Toronto. This news confirms that negotiations have begun in seeking a local consensus for construction to take place on the shores of Lake Ontario.

At the beginning of January 2025, Energy Minister Stephen Leche visited Port Hope to promote the Ontario Power Generation site in Wesleyville (east of Oshawa) as a location  the province could rely on to build a new nuclear station.

"I'm excited to continue these conversations with Indigenous and community leaders to help explore the possibilities for new nuclear production at the Wesleyville site, including new well-paid jobs as well as many other benefits," Lece has said in a statement.

This location is one of three potential locations – others include Nanticoke in Haldimand County, Lambton in St. Clair Count which was highlighted in November as an option for new production stations of electricity. The location in Wesleyville, owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) was announced as an ideal location by the government due to its proximity to existing power lines, roads and railways.

Port Hope Municipal Councilors have approved a preliminary discussion with the OPG and the Provincial Government, granting $1 million for a city study focusing on the potential construction of a nuclear power plant. Certain funds will also be allotted for representatives of Indigenous people (Williams Treaties First Nations) for more studies and discussions.

However, this announcement does not mean that the province of Ontario has already made a decision to build the nuclear power plant in Port Hope. Besides the fact that the land is owned by OPG and zoned for a nuclear power plant, the political leadership does not have the exclusive right to make this decision. If the decision is made, it is a preliminary estimate that the plant could be reopened and working by the 2040s. The expectation is that the said location would last to about the 95 year mark.

This article is part of the Local Journalism Initiative