Ontario’s Municipalities Fight Back

Toronto News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 26, 2026 · 2m

Ontario’s 444 municipalities are rallying against a new provincial law that lets the government appoint regional chairs instead of electing them, calling it undemocratic and a power grab that undermines local democracy. The Better Regional Governance Act, or Bill 100, grants these “strong chair” roles sweeping authority over budgets, appointments, and bylaws — a dramatic shift from tradition. AMO president Robin Jones says the backlash is too strong to ignore, with municipal leaders feeling exhausted by the province’s increasing interference. Premier Doug Ford defends the move as simply…