OUELLETTE’S BILL ON DIRECT ELECTION OF REGIONAL CHAIR PASSES SECOND READING

QUEEN'S PARK - Bill 172, the Municipal Amendment Act (Direct Election of Durham Regional Council Chair) 2006, introduced by Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette passed Second Reading this morning in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

The bill will now move forward and has been referred to the Standing Committee on General Government.

Mr. Ouellette says, “This has been an ongoing issue for many years and the constituents of my riding of Oshawa have recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of this action.

Mr. Ouellette’s bill would require the Chair of the Regional Municipality of Durham be elected by a general vote. The legislation is intended to bring increased democracy and accountability to the position of Regional Chair.

During the previous municipal election when asked if the province should move forward with legislation that would elect the Regional Chair, the electorate of Oshawa voted in favour by a margin of 86.3%.

In addition, on February 14th Durham Regional Council endorsed a resolution calling on the government to pass Bill 172 and provide Royal Assent without delay.

Ouellette adds, “I have been overwhelmed with all the support for this bill and I am extremely pleased it has passed Second Reading along with the wishes of my constituents.”

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