The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) has asked MASS LBP to conduct a study of a new and innovative approach to provincial-municipal decision making.

Between 2006 and 2008, the Province of Ontario, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the City of Toronto took part in the Provincial Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review (PMFSDR). The review was a collaborative initiative that spanned ten core ministries and over 250 participants from municipalities across Ontario.

Together they reached a consensus on provincial uploads that will result in a net benefit to municipalities of $1.5 billion a year by 2018 and create a new fiscal arrangement for the future.

MASS LBP is conducting a study of the PMFSDR process to evaluate the model and document the lessons it has to offer. We will be talking with public servants and elected officials about their experience and impressions.

Preliminary results of the study will be tabled with the ministry in late August 2009.

To find out more, please contact project lead Aaron Ettinger