Bill 132 Ontario: Presenting to the Standing Committee

TrishB · #1 12-10-2004, 01:12 PM

Hi all,

I spoke to Christine at the Standing Committee for the Legislative Assembly. You MUST pre-book in order to present a deposition to the committee.

Please Call: (416)325-3506

She will take your name down. Typically it's first come, first serve. If they get a massive response, they may pick and choose at the leisure of the MPPs.

The schedule is posted here:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/committees/meeting_schedule.htm

There isn't anything scheduled yet - but she promised it would be updated along with various announcements as well. Keep an eye on it - she said that there may be something as early as next week.

Sansano · #2 12-10-2004, 01:45 PM

The bill has gone through 2 readings so far. Both votes have gone pretty much down party lines with The Liberals voting for the bill and the Tories & NDP's voting against. The standing committee should take place in January and we will probably see the bill back for 3rd reading in the Spring legislative session.

Now is the time to be heard. I hope to be there for the standing committee. Let me know if you need anything Trish.

Mike

TrishB · #3 12-10-2004, 02:08 PM

Agreed - but they were very clear in that there could be a meeting as early as next week. I highly doubt it - but they *could* and we have to be ready for anything at this point.

We have to remember that this Committee is also stacked; 8 out of 11 are Liberals. This is by no means easy. But it is an extra step that they weren't going to give us - had we not fought tooth and nail for it. Not only do we have to be sure that the 3 opposition party members are on our side, but we have to turn a MINIMUM of 3 Liberals to our side - preferrably more. Turning Liberals to vote against the party line IS DIFFICULT.

I worry that they'll sit on it for a while, wait for the attention to die down and THEN attempt to pass it. Essentially doing so quietly.

If you can make it to Toronto - PLEASE BOOK YOURSELF IN TO PRESENT. We need our presentations to represent the TRUE support / lack thereof, of this bill. Mr. Bryant cannot fudge the numbers of people sitting and presenting in council.

It's time to step up everyone. I'm booked - are you?

Sansano · #4 12-10-2004, 03:05 PM

Here is a little more info about this. It is NOT first come, first serve. The sub-committee will decide who speaks and who doesn't. This is made up of a member from each party. If you sign up, that ISN'T your last step! After that, contact one of the members of the sub-committee expressing your interest. Thsi will help insure you get on the list to present to the whole committee. Contact either 1 of the 3 opposition members on the committee list or Joe Toscana who will almost certainly be the PC member on the sub-committee. I should know more on the exact members of the sub-committee soon and will post it. It has still not been decided if this will only be done a Queens Park or if this committee will go on the road.

If you are coming to speak you are expected to present to the committee and not just blast the government members over the legislation(although it is done). Each presenter will probably get around 15 minutes. After your presentation, you then will probably be asked questions by the committee.
Our best hope is that they amend the bill to get rid of the breed ban. Unfortunately, it won't be easy convincing 3 members to vote against the party line. That is almost impossible as they might be thrown out of caucus just like if they voted against the bill in the legislature without a free vote. Hopefully, we are able to convince the whole party to change their tune as they did in New Brunswick.

Lastly, here are the initial members of the committee. They will almost certainly change as certain MPP's will request to be subbed in such as Toscana(PC critic). MPP's can also come in and present to the committee if they would like.

Committee Membership:
Chair: Linda Jeffrey LIB / Brampton Centre
Vice-Chair: Mario G. Racco LIB / Thornhill
Members: Donna H. Cansfield LIB / Etobicoke Centre
Kim Craitor LIB / Niagara Falls
Bob Delaney LIB / Mississauga West
Ernie Hardeman PC / Oxford
Linda Jeffrey LIB / Brampton Centre
Rosario Marchese NDP / Trinity--Spadina
Norm Miller PC / Parry Sound--Muskoka
Mario G. Racco LIB / Thornhill
Mario Sergio LIB / York West
Clerk: Douglas Arnott

Note : Kim Craitor who is from Niagara Falls is rumoured to be thinking of not supporting this bill. The Liberals will probably take him off the committee beforehand to ensure they have the votes if they catch wind of it.

Sansano · #5 12-12-2004, 03:05 AM

Here is the latest info folks. So far, the Committee dates for Bill 132 have not been set; however, two days of hearings will be held in Toronto and two days of hearings will be
held outside of Toronto. No information on the location yet but I wouldn't be surprised to see Hamilton or Niagara in one of the locations. The Whips are meeting on Monday after the House adjourns to set the Committee schedule for the Winter Adjournment so it will definitely be in the new year.

As expected Joe Tascona has asked to be subbed in for Ernie Hardeman on this committee although he may not be able to make all 4 days. I am still trying to convince my friend Tim to sub in on the committee as he is a great speaker and agitator. Unfortunately he has another bill being introduced which may preclude him from doing that. We'll see.

People should start calling the Committee Clerk now as Trish mentioned to ask to be put on the list for Committee deputations. It's Doug Arnott (416-325-3506). Of course, follow that call with a call to Tascona or the NDP member(Marchese for now) to get a better chance of being accepted.

I am still unsure if I am going to present or not. Trish, do you have a plan yet? Are you presenting alone? Maybe I could join you?

TrishB · #6 12-12-2004, 12:28 PM

Hi Mike,

I am presenting - as the Ontario Director of the RCC and the RCCBSL Chair. I'm hoping that the titles will ensure that they are aware I am a major stakeholder on this issue and will be heard.

Sansano · #7 12-12-2004, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrishB

Hi Mike,

I am presenting - as the Ontario Director of the RCC and the RCCBSL Chair. I'm hoping that the titles will ensure that they are aware I am a major stakeholder on this issue and will be heard.

It most certainly would help.I would say you are more than likely in. I would still most certainly call Tascona or Marchese.