After decades of study and consultation, the current Ontario minister responsible for Tarion, Minister Lisa Thompson, shows no urgency as she orders yet another round of consultations on Tarion. 

Next week, a government committee will hear more input from the public on Minister Thompson's Bill 159, which was resoundingly criticized in January 2020 when she last had public input on that bill. 

We have been told that going out for a second round of consultations next week is "rare". Minister Thompson herself acknowledged - in a letter to CPBH dated June 15, 2020 - that it is "..not common for a bill to be considered twice at committee but it is by no means unprecedented...".

It feels to many like she has ordered another committee to receive input in an attempt to drum up support for her Bill 159 (on Tarion) as she had little to no support in January. 

In January, consumers were clear: They do not support Minister Thompson's Bill 159. Instead the vast majority told committee members that they support Bill 169 (tabled by MPP Tom Rakocevic), which if approved, will end Tarion's monopoly.

CPBH told the committee in January that:

- Minister Thompson's Bill 159 tinkers around the edges of what is needed.  It is a small step forward, but not nearly enough to provide adequate consumer protection.  

- MPP Tom Rakocevic's Bill 169 is what is needed.  It will end Tarion's monopoly and many other necessary things, including providing a framework for homeowners who have had their claims wrongly denied by Tarion in the past reconsidered.

Next week's meetings are virtual. There is still time to request an opportunity to provide input. If you would like to do that, please contact the committee clerk at comm-generalgov@ola.org or at 416-325-3509.

The deadline to request to appear before the committee is Thursday June 18, 2020 at 6:00p.m. 

You can also make a written submission provided it is sent in by Wednesday June 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, you can contact CPBH by email at info@canadiansforproperlybuilthomes.com .