On December 2, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010.

As previously reported, the Bill was amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading on November 30, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate.

Bill 122 imposes new rules and higher accountability standards for the broader public sector around the use of external lobbyists, consultants and expenses. It further brings hospitals under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ("FIPPA").

The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly and will come into force on a date to be named by proclamation, with the exception of the amendments to FIPPA, which will come into force on January 1, 2012.

For more detailed information about the Bill, please read our FTR Now of November 5, 2010, "Government Introduces Public Sector Accountability Legislation".

More information about the extension of FIPPA to hospitals is available in our FTR Now of November 5, 2010, "Government to Bring Hospitals Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act".