February 13, 2024 – In a press conference held in Mississauga on February 13, 2024, Premier Doug Ford made a significant announcement regarding Ontario drivers and their license plates. Ford revealed plans to eliminate the requirement for drivers to renew their license plates manually, bringing relief to millions of Ontario motorists.
“We’re getting rid of that totally – registering your vehicle,” Ford declared emphatically. “We did the first step: getting rid of the sticker. Now we’re getting rid of the re-registration. They’ll be automatically re-registered so people won’t have to worry about that at all.”
This announcement comes in the wake of alarming reports indicating that over one million Ontario drivers are currently operating vehicles with expired license plates. Despite the elimination of the annual renewal fee in 2022, many drivers were still required to keep their plates up to date, or face steep fines under the Highway Traffic Act.
The new system of automatic license plate renewal will apply to drivers whose records are in good standing. However, individuals with outstanding issues such as insurance problems, unpaid tolls, or municipal fines will not benefit from automatic renewal.
While exact details of the policy are yet to be unveiled, the Ministry of Transportation has assured that further information will be provided later this week. This includes clarification on how the province plans to address individuals with unpaid fines or other registration issues.
Premier Ford assured that the changes would be implemented swiftly, promising that legislation would be introduced upon the return of the legislature. Although a precise timeline was not provided, Ford emphasized that the transition to automatic renewals would occur “very soon.”
With this move, Premier Ford aims to streamline the process for Ontario drivers, providing convenience and peace of mind while ensuring compliance with necessary regulations. The forthcoming legislation marks a significant step towards modernizing Ontario’s vehicle registration system, benefitting motorists across the province.
Premier Ford Takes Aim at Carbon Tax in Dual Announcement
While pivotal announcement regarding license plate renewals is big news, the main purpose of the press conference was Premier Ford’s plans on the carbon tax. Ford unveiled plans to introduce legislation that would require any future government to subject a new provincial carbon pricing program to a referendum, placing the decision directly in the hands of Ontario residents.
“Since day one, this team – our government – has fought back against the carbon tax,” Ford asserted passionately. “We’re giving the people of Ontario a veto over carbon taxes.”
The proposed legislation, to be included in a larger bill titled the Get It Done Act, aims to safeguard Ontario residents from the financial burden imposed by carbon taxes without their consent. By mandating a referendum before the implementation of any carbon pricing scheme, the government seeks to ensure that the voices of Ontario citizens are heard loud and clear on this critical issue.
This tax – all carbon tax schemes – they’re awful.
– Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
The forthcoming legislation represents a significant step in Ford’s ongoing efforts to alleviate financial pressures on Ontario residents, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to advocating for the interests of the people. As the debate over carbon taxation continues to unfold, Ford’s announcement sets the stage for a pivotal decision-making process that will shape Ontario’s environmental and economic future.
It’s Beginning to Look A lot Like Election Time: Ford Attacks Crombie
Ford’s strong stance against carbon taxation was underscored by his criticism of Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, who was formerly the Mayor of Mississauga. Ford took aim at Crombie’s support for the carbon tax on her home turf, labeling her as “the queen of carbon tax” and highlighting her track record of raising property taxes during her tenure as mayor.
“My record couldn’t be more different than Bonnie Crombie’s,” Ford said. “She supported the carbon tax right from the start. She’s the queen of carbon tax. Even worse, she raised property taxes every year she was mayor. Bonnie has never seen a tax she wouldn’t like to hike.”
Opposition parties have criticized Ford’s announcement, labeling it as “performative political games” and a “smokescreen.” Despite the backlash, Ford remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting Ontarians from what he perceives as the detrimental effects of carbon taxation.
Watch the full press conference on the carbon tax referendum and license renewal changes here:
