AODA Consultation Open, Overdose and Prevention Engagement Network (OPEN) Website, Federal Cannabis Act Review

AODA Independent Review Consultation Open

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) helps identify and remove barriers to inclusion. To comply with AODA requirements for a statutory legislation and regulation review, in February 2022 the Ontario announced the appointment of Rich Donovan as the Fourth Legislative Reviewer of the AODA. Municipal governments are encouraged to provide written submissions by the end of November or attend an upcoming virtual town hall. Information about the review, including a consultation plan and ways to provide feedback, can be found here. AMO members are encouraged to send AMO a copy of their submissions and/or contact Michael Jacek, Senior Advisor, to further discuss.

Overdose and Prevention Engagement Network (OPEN) Website

OPEN is an online community that brings people together to work to address the opioid crisis, including municipal elected officials and staff. A website has been launched as the result of a partnership between AMO, LAS, and Emergent BioSolutions. There is potential to access and share information resources, including on best practices, and engage in conversation about advocacy solutions including AMO’s policy recommendations to the provincial government about an integrated provincial-municipal response to mental health and addictions. Visit today to discover events, explore the discussion board, and access the sharing centre.

Federal Cannabis Act Review

The federal government has announced a review of the Canadian Cannabis Act, as required by the legislation. As an initial step in the legislative review, an online engagement process has been launched. This includes a discussion paper and associated questionnaire for all Canadians, and a specific discussion paper and feedback process for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Both consultations are open until November 21, 2022.

AMO will continue our advocacy on cannabis throughout this 18-month process. AMO also encourages municipal governments to prepare and submit their feedback to the federal government outlining specific municipal impacts and costs in your community. AMO has prepared key messages to help support municipalities in responding to the federal government’s review process. AMO invites municipal governments to share a copy your submissions with us by sending them to Craig Reid and Daniela Spagnuolo at creid@amo.on.ca and dspagnuolo@amo.on.ca.