University one step closer to legal name change

The university is pleased to announce that the amendment to the Ryerson University Act, 1977 to legally change our name to Toronto Metropolitan University, was introduced and passed its first reading by the Ontario Legislature on October 27, 2022. 

In the coming weeks, MPPs at the Ontario Legislature will debate the Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act, 2022, which contains recommended amendments to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, along with our requested administrative amendments to the Ryerson University Act.

While the new name - Toronto Metropolitan University - was adopted and registered immediately upon approval by the Board of Governors on April 26, 2022 - allowing the university to operate under it - the Ryerson University Act must be amended by the Government of Ontario before the new name is recognized legally.

If passed, this amendment will allow us to use our new name on all legal documents issued by the university, including degrees, academic records and legal agreements. 

Government process and timeline

While the process and timeline for reviewing and passing bills is in the hands of the Ontario government, we expect that the standard process will be followed:

Introduction and First Reading 

On October 27, 2022, the Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, introduced the Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act, 2022. This bill includes an administrative amendment to legally recognize our new name, Toronto Metropolitan University. The bill was passed to second reading by members of the Ontario Legislature. 

Second Reading 

At second reading the bill will be debated for the first time by all parties in the Ontario Legislative Assembly. At the end of the debate, there is a vote to determine if the bill will pass to third reading. If the bill receives a majority of votes, it will be referred to a standing committee of the legislature. 

Committee

The Committee Process consists of two parts: public hearings and clause-by-clause amendments.

Public Hearings

Committees are made up of small working groups of MPPs. These committees consider specific issues that the House has asked them to review. Individuals and organizations are given the opportunity to make deputations to the committee at public hearings through oral presentations, written submissions or both. 

Clause-by-clause

After public hearings, the committee reviews each clause of the bills and votes on every single one, including amendments that are introduced at this time. Once all the amendments have been voted on, the bill is referred back to the house for third reading. 

Third Reading, Final Vote and Royal Assent 

The amended bill is debated in the legislature for a final time and the final vote occurs at the end of the third reading. If passed, the bill will then receive Royal Assent and will officially be a new law in Ontario, legally changing the name of our university to Toronto Metropolitan University. 

We will keep the community informed as the bill progresses and more information becomes available.