Objectives of the Ministry
8. (1) The Minister or the Deputy Minister, subject to the direction and control of the Minister, shall, (a) review energy and infrastructure matters on a continuing basis with regard to both short-term and long-term goals in relation to the energy and infrastructure needs of the Province of Ontario; (b) advise and assist the Government of Ontario in its dealings with other governments regarding energy and infrastructure matters; (c) advise and make recommendations on growth planning and developing and implementing growth plans in support of strong communities; (d) make recommendations for the effective co-ordination of all energy matters within the Government of Ontario with a view to ensuring the consistent application of policy in every area of concern regarding energy and, despite the generality of the foregoing, with respect to adequacy of supplies, prices, franchises and the development of energy resources indigenous to Ontario; (e) make recommendations regarding priorities for and the development of research into all aspects of energy of significance to Ontario, including the conservation of energy and the improvement of efficiency in its production and utilization and the development of new energy sources; (f) make recommendations for the effective co-ordination and development of infrastructure within the Government of Ontario; (g) make recommendations regarding priorities for, and the planning and development of, infrastructure of significance within Ontario; and (h) do any one or more of encouraging, promoting, developing or participating in such activities, projects and programs as the Minister considers appropriate, (i) to increase the availability of energy in Ontario, (ii) to increase the availability of renewable energy in Ontario and to increase the use of renewable energy sources in Ontario, (iii) to stimulate the search for and development of sources of energy, including those that utilize waste and those that are renewable, as alternatives to the sources of energy available for use in Ontario, (iv) to stimulate energy conservation, through the establishment of programs and policies within the Ministry or such agencies as may be prescribed, load management and the use of renewable energy sources throughout Ontario, (v) to encourage prudence in the use of energy in Ontario, (vi) to stimulate the planning and increase the development of infrastructure in Ontario, and (vii) to support planning for growth and building strong communities in Ontario. 2009, c. 12, Sched. C, s. 6 (1). Authority of Minister (2) The Minister or, subject to the direction and control of the Minister, the Deputy Minister may, in respect of any matter for which the Minister has responsibility under this or any other Act, (a) undertake research; (b) do any one or more of promoting, commissioning or participating in research, experiments, feasibility studies, pilot or demonstration projects, testing activities and evaluations; (c) develop and co-ordinate plans and programs; (d) promote and engage in the dissemination of information; (e) enter into agreements for and in the name of the Crown; (f) make grants, including grants subject to conditions to encourage energy conservation and to encourage the use of renewable energy sources; and (g) make loans, subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.23, s. 8 (2); 2009, c. 12, Sched. C, s. 6 (2).