Ontario Home Builders’ Association supports ban on political donations

Toronto, May 17, 2016 – OHBA is pleased the government has taken action on modernizing Ontario’s
electoral financing rules through the introduction of the Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act.
OHBA supports changes that would ban donations and loan guarantees by corporations and unions.
The legislation to be introduced today will also place limits on individual donations to political parties,
candidates, constituency associations, nomination contests and leadership contests.

“OHBA welcomes the government’s action on election finance reform,” said OHBA Chief Executive
Officer, Joe Vaccaro who added, “Under the current system our industry has been vilified for supporting
the democratic process. The ongoing suggestion that approvals are a result of political contributions is
just a lazy reaction to a complicated and complex public process.”

“As community builders this industry will continue to contribute to hospitals, schools, cultural events,
environmental initiatives, and charitable causes,” said Vaccaro, “OHBA applauds the government’s
decision and believes that this will strengthen public confidence in provincial decision-making.”

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the building, land development and professional
renovation industry in Ontario representing 4,000 member companies organized into 30 local
associations across the province. Our members have built over 700,000 homes in the last ten years in
over 500 Ontario communities. The industry contributes over $44 billion to Ontario’s economy,
employing over 313,000 people across the province.