Randy Pettapiece’s drive to reform ‘joint and several liability’ is gaining support.
The Perth-Wellington MPP is says the issue is driving up municipal insurance premiums and, in turn, property taxes.
In December, he introduced a private member’s resolution calling on the province to act.
Currently, if two or more parties are found at fault or negligent in a lawsuit, damages can be recovered from any defendant, even if the party is deemed only one percent responsible
That is putting municipalities on the hook when other defendants lack the ability to pay.
The association of municipalities of Ontario supports Pettapiece’s efforts for liability reform.
He argues such changes would benefit small, rural municipalities the most
Debate on Pettapiece’s private member’s resolution is scheduled for February 27th.