Dear MCMA Members,
Thank you for your engagement and thoughtful discussion at our recent annual conference. The conversation we advanced together marks an important shift for MCMA and for the broader POA system. As discussed, MCMA is intentionally reframing financial sustainability, not as a question of revenue generation, but as one of justice system integrity, effectiveness, and long-term viability. This framing is resonating with our partners and has created a meaningful opportunity for MCMA to contribute constructively at a critical time.
Several key developments are now happening:
- The Ministry of the Attorney General has launched a POA policy review, which will shape the system for years to come.
- Work on the ICON replacement has paused, raising important questions about system continuity, governance, and data access.
- External partners, including AMO, AMCTO, and MFOA have expressed interest in aligning on advocacy related to POA sustainability and penalties.
- The Chief Justice has made it clear her expectations of the Provincial Offences Courts role in upholding administration of justice
Establishing the Financial Sustainability Committee
To support this work, MCMA will be establishing a Financial Sustainability Committee as a standing subcommittee.
Proposed Objective:
To support MCMA’s overarching goal: ensuring the long-term integrity, effectiveness, and sustainability of Ontario’s POA system.
Role of the Committee
The Committee will:
- Provide data-driven insight and analysis to support MCMA’s policy positions
- Help inform MCMA’s engagement in the Ministry’s POA policy review
- Support development of a coordinated, evidence-based advocacy approach
Advance work on:
- Meaningful, modernized set fines
- Governance considerations, including alignment of authority and accountability
- Assist with the design and analysis of member data collection efforts, including a survey on reliance on tax levy across POA courts
- Contribute to strengthening MCMA’s credibility through consistent, evidence-based messaging
Collaboration
This work will not happen in isolation. The Committee will support coordinated engagement with key partners, including:
- Rural/Association of Municipalities of Ontario (ROMA/AMO)
- Municipal Finance Officers’ Association (MFOA)
- Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO)
MCMA will remain the lead voice on POA administration, with the Committee helping to ensure our contributions are supported by strong data and aligned system-wide and municipal perspectives.
Why This Matters Now
The combination of a provincial policy review, uncertainty around system modernization, and growing external alignment presents a rare window of opportunity.
A coordinated, disciplined, and evidence-based approach will be essential to ensuring that decisions are informed by the operational realities of POA courts and grounded in our shared commitment to justice, fairness, and public confidence.
Call for Interest
We are seeking expressions of interest from MCMA members, and we also encourage participation from municipal colleagues with relevant expertise.
To support a broader, system-wide perspective, the Committee will include both POA operational expertise and municipal policy and finance perspectives.
We are particularly looking for individuals with experience or interest in:
- POA operations and court administration
- Data, performance measurement, and reporting
- Municipal finance and financial analysis
- Policy development and intergovernmental relations
We are asking for up to four people per region to participate on the committee. If you are interested in joining the Financial Sustainability Committee, please respond directly to your Regional Board Representative by Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Andre Couture, Northeast
Shannon Hutchinson, Northwest
Dianne Kasias, Toronto
Elizabeth Gillingwater, East Region
Shelley Parker, West Region
Francesca Angheloni, Central West
Barb Ryner, Central East
Thank you again for your leadership and engagement. This work will be critical in ensuring that MCMA continues to play a strong, credible role in shaping the future of the POA system.