Ontario unveils sweeping omnibus bill, proposes ban on speed cameras

Premier Doug Ford is following through on his promise to get rid of speed cameras, despite support for the cameras from some of the province’s mayors.

The government introduced its bill Monday to outlaw municipal speed cameras, and the transportation minister says as soon as the legislation officially becomes law, the fines will no longer be in effect.

On the first day of the new sitting, the government introduced a wide-ranging bill covering a number of issues.

It says one of them will outlaw municipal speed cameras, as promised.

“We’ve made a decision, as a government, to move forward on this legislation to remove them,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, the Transportation Minister. “We believe that getting a ticket three weeks later is not the best way to prevent speeding.”

More than 20 mayors called on the province to leave the speed cameras in place to make streets safer, but the government calls the cameras a tax grab, and insists speed bumps and other traffic calming measures will be better at slowing down drivers.

READ MORE: Parents to rally against Ontario speed camera ban across the province

They say once the legislation becomes law in outlawing the camaras, it says the penalties will be gone.

“As of the repeal of this legislation, upon this piece of legislation receiving royal assent, they will no longer be in force or valid within the province,” said Sarkaria.

The government’s bill also focuses on northwestern Ontario’s Ring of Fire, and plans to develop the area’s critical minerals.

“We’re taking a comprehensive look at every single development-focused permit to make sure they aren’t standing in the way of businesses looking to invest, and create jobs here in Ontario,” said Andrea Khanjim, the Red Tape Reduction Minister.

It says developments in Ontario, like mines, are held back by more than 300 permits and approvals needed in some cases — including environmental approvals — and it’s aiming to get rid of at least 35 per cent of them within a few years.

The premier says it’s part of his plan to build an economy that can stand up to President Donald Trump.

“We’re under attack by President Trump, and he’s coming after us,” said Ford. “But we just got elected — the third majority government to protect the people of Ontario and that’s what we’re doing.”

The bill would also let some health professionals practice in Ontario, as long as they’re certified in other provinces.

CHCH News asked the Ministry of Transportation for clarification on the speed camera fine issue.

Specifically, if someone were to get a ticket after the cameras are outlawed, but from before the law was passed, do they still have to pay the ticket?

CHCH News has not yet heard back.

READ MORE: Ontario tables bill to ban speed cameras; premier calls them cash grabs