October 30, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government has passed Bill 56, the Building a More Competitive Economy Act; legislation that includes a highly debated measure to ban the use of municipal speed cameras across the province.
Introduced on October 20, the bill forms part of Premier Doug Ford’s “red tape reduction” agenda, which the government says is intended to cut unnecessary regulations and streamline municipal operations. However, the inclusion of a clause prohibiting municipalities from installing or operating automated speed enforcement cameras has drawn sharp criticism from road safety advocates and local officials.
The government fast-tracked the bill through the legislature, curtailing both public input and debate. Following its third reading on Wednesday, Bill 56 passed on Thursday by a vote of 69–41, with all Progressive Conservative MPPs voting in favour.
In place of automated enforcement, the province says it will prioritize “alternative traffic-calming measures”including speed bumps, roundabouts, traffic cushions, improved signage, and public education initiatives.
Although Bill 56 has cleared the legislature, it will not take effect until it receives Royal Assent, a date that has not yet been announced.
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