It seems the province has received concerns voice by Puslinch regarding municipal insurance reform, but what happens next is still up in the air.
In late 2013, skyrocketing liability insurance costs prompted councillors here to seek action.
The resolution put forward by councillors last month noted that costs have jumped 22 per cent from 2007 to 2011 with some municipalities reporting increases of up to 50%.
Puslinch believes the current situation is not sustainable and a long-term solution is required including the goal of developing a sustainable and equitable solution that will lead to a balanced approach that all stakeholders require.
In January, councillors here received correspondence via Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott from Minister Municipal Affairs and Housing Linda Jeffrey.
Jeffrey stated the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of the Attorney General have been actively engaged in discussions with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and with other stakeholders on the issue of joint and several liability as it applies to municipalities.
A complex issue
“Legal liability reform is an important and complex issue, and we are committed to working with AMO to come up with effective solutions to concerns about municipal liability costs.”
In reviewing the correspondence, Mayor Dennis Lever said “they received our correspondence and resolution, hopefully they will move on to address it.”
