The Legislative Assembly

The Legislative Assembly (or the House) consists of all elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). The House considers proposals for new laws (bills) and it passes, changes, and repeals laws. The Legislative Assembly also authorizes taxes that Ontario residents pay to finance government services and programs.

Members, usually opposition members, question the government in the House, during Question Period, in order to serve the public interest. Question Period lasts exactly one hour. Members can question Cabinet Ministers on any item of public concern. This hour can be the most exciting time of a typical day in the House.

The House and its committees are open to the public. You can also watch the proceedings on television all over Ontario. Both English and French may be spoken in the House, and simultaneous interpretation services are provided.

Did You Know?

• The round opening in the west tower of the Ontario Legislative Building was made to house a large clock. However, the clock was never installed.
• In celebration of the Ontario Legislative Building’s 100th anniversary in 1993, a time capsule was placed under one of the copper objects located on the centre roof of the building. The capsule will not be opened until 2093.
• Traditionally, important buildings have the date of construction carved into a cornerstone. However, there are no records of the Ontario Legislative Building having a commemorative cornerstone or a cornerstone laying ceremony.
• A fire destroyed the west wing of the Ontario Legislative Building in 1909. When it was rebuilt, sandstone was brought in from Sackville, New Brunswick to make new bricks. As the original sandstone was from Orangeville and the Credit Valley, the east and west wings of the building are of two different shades.