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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
Ontario Appoints Eight Regional Chairs After New Legislation
Ontario's municipal affairs minister has appointed eight regional heads of council, following a legislative change allowing the Ford government to select individuals who would otherwise have been elected to these positions. The announcement was made Tuesday, marking the first use of the controversial new powers.
Background on Legislative Change
The legislation enabling these appointments was introduced in April and received royal assent in May. The new law specifically allows the government to appoint regional chairs in Durham, Halton, Muskoka, and Waterloo, and extends Ontario’s existing power to appoint in Niagara, Peel, and York regions. Previously, these positions were filled through local elections.
List of New Regional Chair Appointments
The eight appointed chairs and their backgrounds are:
- Kevin Ashe (Durham Regional Chair) – Also the mayor of Pickering.
- Ann Mulvale (Halton Regional Chair) – Former mayor of Oakville.
- Frank Campion (Niagara Regional Chair) – Outgoing mayor of Welland.
- Nando Iannicca (Peel Regional Chair) – Serving as chair for the region since 2018.
- Scott Davey (Waterloo Regional Chair) – Kitchener city councillor since 2010.
- Steven Del Duca (York Regional Chair) – Also the mayor of Vaughan.
- Scott Aitchison (Muskoka District Chair) – Recently stepped down as Conservative MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
- Don McIsaac (Simcoe County Chair) – Outgoing mayor of Orillia.
Expanded Powers for Appointed Chairs
The Ontario government stated that the newly appointed regional chairs will be granted "strong chair powers." These include the ability to appoint or dismiss the chief administrative officer and division heads, direct municipal staff, veto certain bylaws, and propose the municipal budget. The province claims these powers are intended to accelerate decision-making, reduce costs, and expedite housing and infrastructure projects to deliver on government priorities.
Opposition Criticism and Concerns About Local Democracy
The change has prompted criticism from the Ontario NDP. Jeff Burch, the party's shadow minister for municipal affairs, described the new appointments as undermining local democracy. "Doug Ford is handing over an unprecedented power to hand-selected individuals," Burch said, arguing that the move prioritizes the government's agenda over local voices and input. CBC has reached out to the Premier's office and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for comment.
Ongoing Reactions
The move to appoint regional council chairs rather than holding elections marks a significant shift in municipal governance in Ontario. As the appointed chairs begin their terms with expanded authority, the debate about the impact on local democracy and future regional governance continues.
Related coverage
Source: cbc.ca.
