Today marks a significant milestone for Ontario drivers and businesses.

Bill 162, the Get it Done Act—one of the most pro-auto Bills in recent memory—successfully passed third and final reading in the Ontario Legislature. A resounding majority of 73 MPPs voted in favor, while 32 voted against it.

“Ontario’s 1,100 new car and truck retailers are extremely pleased Bill 162 has now passed. This will protect drivers from higher vehicle costs like road tolls and increased driver’s licence fees,” said Frank Notte, Director of Government Relations for the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario. “We deeply appreciate Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria for driving this Bill across the finish line to save drivers time and money. His actions will result in meaningful cost savings for families and businesses.”

“As the cost of living rises, Premier Ford and our government are working to keep more money in people’s pockets,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By banning new highway tolls, freezing license renewal fees, and fighting the carbon tax, we’re helping make life more affordable for everyone.”

Bill 162 enacts the following:

• Road tolls can now only be implemented through legislation, rather than regulation, making it more accountable and transparent to the public. If a Minister or MPP wants to implement road tolls, they now must introduce a Bill in the Legislature, debate and vote on it.
• Permanently freezing driver’s licence and photo card fees, saving drivers an estimated $66 million over the next five years.
• Automatic vehicle permit renewals, saving car owners 900,000 hours per year.
• Giving the public a direct say over any future provincial carbon pricing. Bill 162 mandates that a referendum must take place before a future provincial government is authorized to implement carbon pricing—such as a carbon tax on gasoline.

On March 27, 2024, Notte presented to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy at Queen’s Park during public hearings on Bill 162. He suggested the Committee refrain from making major amendments that could cause unnecessary delays in its passage into law. Notte was pleased to see the Bill make it out of Committee very quickly and on to the floor of the Legislature for a final vote.

“Keeping vehicle ownership costs low is critical to supporting the auto sector and protects the family budget from higher transportation costs. Bill 162 supports both of these important goals.” said Notte.