“Direct democracy permits individual citizens to make choices about specific policy issues. However, direct democracy raises serious concerns about the ability of referendum to address complex policy issues, the role of money in the voting process, the loss of democratic debate and the hindering of rational policy making. Given the experience with direct democracy in other jurisdictions (e.g., California), we believe that its role should be very limited and carefully structured. It should not be used for general policy decisions manageable by representative democracy, such as the desirable level of taxes.”
Green Energy
The Green Energy Act, Environmental Protection Act, The Electricity Act, the Ontario Energy Board Act: Where are the Democratic Rights?
(Downloads - 40)
Related products
-
The Municipal Councillor’s Guide: making Ontario a Better Place to Grow
A discussion of the roles and responsibilities of Municipal Councils under the Municipal Act.
(Downloads - 44)
Quick View -
OLA Position Paper: Municipal By-laws
This report is accompanied with a letter from Tom Black, President of the OLA.
(Downloads - 154)
Quick View -
Official Plans: What Municipal Councils Need to Know
The government on all levels does not have the authority, under the Planning act to plan for private property.
(Downloads - 157)
Quick View -
Back Off Government: What Municipal Lawyers Need to Know about Crown Patents
This is response to the Ontario Bar Association’s paper as it wasn’t detailed enough to fully explain the Letters Patent/Crown Grants.
(Downloads - 230)
Quick View