Ministry of Attorney General
Since 2000, municipalities across Ontario, including Norfolk County, have assumed responsibility for court administration, court support, and prosecution functions under the Provincial Offences Act (POA)* for Part I and Part II matters (Transferred Obligations).
Where we're at
While municipalities have worked diligently to fulfill these responsibilities, the financial and administrative burden has steadily increased, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the current system. The expansion of AMPS will improve service delivery and responsiveness and reduce pressure on the provincial court system.
Norfolk is doing its part with the recently announced AMPS process and considering the early resolution process for POA fines to reduce OPP and court costs.
Norfolk asks that the Province
- Undertake comprehensive legislative changes (Municipal Act, s. 441.1*) to improve recovery of uncollectible fines, freeing funds for priorities like affordable housing and infrastructure reinvestment
- Recognize significant and growing costs municipalities face in administering POA courts – reduce costs, improve efficiency and alleviate court backlogs
*Municipal Act, s. 441.1 - Unpaid Fines
441.1 Upon the request of a municipality that has entered into a transfer agreement under Part X of the Provincial Offences Act, the treasurer of a local municipality may add any part of a fine for a commission of a provincial offence that is in default under section 69 of the Provincial Offences Act to the tax roll for any property in the local municipality for which all of the owners are responsible for paying the fine and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes. 2009, c. 33, Sched. 4, s. 4.
Norfolk is ready.
We can grow Ontario, together.