The June provincial election in Ontario resulted in a majority Progressive Conservative government. Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, has been named Minister of Government and Consumer Services as well as Government House Leader. ACMO looks forward to working closely with Minister Smith on issues of importance to our members.

The recently elected PC government has moved quickly to make its mark on certain legislation that has direct impact on our condominium communities.

Here are some announcements we are watching.

Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program Comes to an End

The Ministry of Transportation announced that the Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program is cancelled effective July 11, 2018.

This means that government incentives for the purchase of electric and hydrogen vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations will come to an end. Both programs were funded through cap-and-trade proceeds and were cancelled as a result of the government cancelling the cap-and-trade program.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation, “charging stations purchased and/or installed before July 11 will be able to receive incentives through the program if the application is submitted within 60 days.”

Smoke Free Ontario Act, including Vaping Laws, On Hold

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act was due to come into force on July 1, 2018, but is currently on hold by the new government.

According to Armand Conant of Shibley Righton LLP, “The proposed regulations which prohibited vaping in non-smoking areas as well as tighter restrictions to the retailing of vaping and ancillary products have been halted until the new government can further examine the health impact that surrounds the use of vaping.” We do know that the current legislation – both the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Electronic Cigarettes Act – remain in effect in the interim period and will continue to be enforced.

Federal

Legal Recreational Cannabis takes effect October 17, 2018

October 17, 2018 has been announced by the federal government as the date the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) comes into force. This means that as of October 17, 2018, recreational use of cannabis (marijuana) by adult Canadians will become legal. Until October 17, cannabis use remains illegal across Canada. The use of marijuana has been legal when authorized for medical purposes.

Many corporations have acted quickly to include rules on the growing and use of cannabis in condominium units and on common elements. ACMO’s board will continue to monitor this situation in the days leading up to October 17 to ensure that all our members are apprised of developments in this important area in our condominium communities.

In late June, Health Canada announced regulations in support of the new Cannabis Act.

Before the regulations are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, a copy of the regulations can be requested by email, phone or mail:

cannabis@canada.ca
1-866-337-7705
Cannabis Legalization
and Regulation Branch
Address locator 0602E,
Health Canada
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9

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