May 28, 2009 – Ontario is strengthening safety standards in the province through proposed amendments to the Technical Standards and Safety Act.
The proposed amendments, which were introduced today, are designed to improve accountability and transparency of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and further strengthen the province’s technical safety system.
The proposed amendments would, if passed:
- Require the TSSA to appoint an independent Chief Risk and Safety Officer to provide independent review of the TSSA and to report annually and publicly on how the TSSA is meeting its public safety mandate
- Establish the legislative authority for the Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services to guide the strategic focus of the TSSA by issuing policy directives
- Provide the Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services with the power to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair from the members of the TSSA’s Board of Directors
- Provide the Auditor General access to the TSSA’s records should the auditor choose to conduct an audit.
In November 2008, Ontario’s Propane Safety Review Panel made 40 recommendations to improve public safety, transparency and accountability. The government is committed to acting upon the panel’s 40 recommendations. Of the proposed legislative amendments announced today, two would address recommendations made by the panel. The remainder of the proposed amendments are in addition to the panel’s recommendations.