Encouraging Responsible Management of Ontario's Aggregates

Ontario Aggregate Lobbyists and Industry Organizations

• APAO. Aggregate Producers' Association of Ontario, registered lobbyist group. See registration with Ontario Office of the Integrity Commissioner. The APAO web pages state that its objective is "to be the single voice of the aggregate industry with government to positively influence legislation, regulation and policy to the benefit of the citizens of Ontario, as well as the industry." The Economist [March 8-14, 2003] says "Lobbying groups often try to disguise a financial self interest by clumsily dressing up their arguments in the guise of concern for the public." Under the heading of Government Affairs the APAO web pages list "political fundraising". In other words, a highly organized and well funded group dedicated to helping gravel pit operators.
• APAO/TOARC. The Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation, which is wholly owned by APAO. APAO appoints all of TOARC's directors. The Mineral Aggregates of Ontario Statistical Update 2000 states that in 1997 MNR took steps to build a partnership with private industry to manage certain functions, by creating the trust that APAO/TOARC controls. APAO/TOARC collects and disburses the Ontario government gravel haulage levy (tax of 6 cents per tonne, total about $9 million per year). APAO/TOARC administers government funds intended to be used for pit rehabilitation.
• MNR/APAO partnership. The partnership between an aggregate lobby group (APAO) and the Provincial government (MNR), is apparently unique in Canada, with its interesting mix of government tax collection, political fund raising, lobbying and law enforcement. See details of this arrangement.
• APAO/MAAP. Management of Abandoned Aggregate Properties Program. This group is a part of APAO. It is funded by APAO/TOARC from provincial government money. Its web page says "The MAAP Program is dedicated to the rehabilitation and research of abandoned aggregate pits and quarries in areas of Ontario that are designated under the Aggregate Resources Act."
• GWRAPA: Guelph and Waterloo Region Aggregate Producers Association. Chairman is Malcolm Matheson of Steed and Evans Ltd (pit on Kressler Rd, near Hawkesville). Matheson says, "There are some very big economic benefits to having some quality aggregate close to your home." The association makes presentations to local township councils, promoting the aggregate industry. In other words, another lobby organization.