Jones’ aggregate becycling bill closer to becoming law

April 26, 2014 · 0 Comments

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones’ private member’s bill, the Aggregate Recycling Promotion Act, recently passed at the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. This is an important step in the legislative process, as the bill is now one final vote away from becoming law in Ontario.
“I am very pleased that Bill 56 was passed by the committee today,” Jones declared. “Bill 56 received all party support at second reading, and the overwhelming majority of comments I receive on the bill are positive and come from a wide range of people and stakeholders.”
If enacted, Bill 56 would allow contractors to incorporate recycled aggregates when bidding on construction projects paid for with public money. The bill was amended at the committee to exclude debris from the demolition of buildings from being included in Bill 56’s scope. This amendment was tabled by Jones.
Jones’ amendment defines “acceptable recycled aggregates” as being “aggregates that are not newly produced and that are not materials obtained from the demolition of a building.”
Bill 56 was also amended so that the provisions of the bill only apply to the newly defined “acceptable recycled aggregates.”
The bill has now been referred back to the Legislature for third reading. When the bill is called for third reading, it will be voted on a final time, and should it pass this vote, it would then receive Royal Proclamation and become law in Ontario.
As Government House Leader John Milloy has the sole discretion to schedule referred bills for third reading. Jones expressed hope he would do so with Bill 56.
“Bill 56 is good for the environment, it’s good for business, and it’s good government policy,” Jones concluded. “I sincerely hope Minister Milloy schedules Bill 56 for third reading at the earliest possible opportunity.”