Local MPP looking for input on Not-For-Profit legislation

Toby Barrett wants bill to put organizations’ needs first

For Immediate Release
May 1, 2014

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett wants input from local not-for-profit organizations regarding the government’s Bill 85 titled, Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).

The legislation has been designed to make some long overdue technical fixes and provide further transparency and accountability. However, groups have come forward with some legitimate concerns. Barrett is the Opposition Critic for Consumer Services responsible for the proposed legislation.

“The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is one of the groups concerned with the way this bill reads right now,” Barrett said. “OFA feels many of the proposed changes will be confusing and will not allow fair member representation by geography.”

OFA President Mark Wales recently wrote to Consumer Services Minister Tracy MacCharles and was quite clear that the government must maintain geographic representation of members and voting directors. Wales said: “Farm issues vary significantly from region to region and only a local representative can do the job of bringing those issues forward to the provincial group for assistance and resolution.”

Barrett concurs with this and said that since OFA represents 37,000 family farm members the government should take their concerns to heart.

“Why would government impose unnecessary change on non-profits that will make their work more difficult?” Barrett continued. “Everyone is having a tougher time attracting volunteers today, more red tape won’t help.”

Barrett suggests that organizations or individuals with thoughts, concerns or suggestions on this legislation should email him at toby.barrett@pc.ola.org.

 

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett

at 519-428-0446, 905-765-84113 or 1-800-903-8629