"The legislation does not replace local voices; in fact, it supports them. If the legislation passes, the province will have the power to directly appoint regional chairs in Niagara, Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Peel, Waterloo and York as well as the warden of Simcoe County."
"At an April 2 news conference, Flack also announced the province plans a major reworking of regional government in Niagara and Simcoe County, slashing Niagara's 32-seat council to just 13 members, including a regional chair, and hacking Simcoe's regional council from 32 seats to just 17."
Ontario's government intends to appoint chairs for regional governments in eight areas, granting them strong powers akin to those of some mayors. Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack defended the plan, asserting it does not silence local voices. If enacted, the legislation will reduce Niagara's council from 32 to 13 seats and Simcoe's from 32 to 17. Opposition MPPs raised concerns about the vetting process for these appointed chairs, referencing past controversies involving provincially-appointed officials.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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