Legislative reports: Ontario.

Following a period of committee activity during the Winter adjournment, the 1st Session of the 37th Parliament was prorogued by Proclamation on March 2, 2001, and April 19 was set as the date for the commencement of the 2nd Session.

Shortly after the prorogation, Ontarians were shocked to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Al Palladini, a very well-known and flamboyant businessman whose easy manner and lust for life endeared him to all in the Queen's Park legislative community. Elected in 1995, he was immediately appointed to the Cabinet and had only shortly before his death resigned his executive post to devote more time to personal and business matters. As of this writing, a by-election in his riding of Vaughan-King-Aurora had not been announced.

The April 19 Speech from the Throne was novel in its approach. Delivered by Lieutenant Governor Hilary M. Weston, it was entitled "21 Steps Into the 21st Century" and set out generally the government's plans in 21 distinct areas. The Speech also specified upcoming dates in the near future, leading to the provincial Budget on May 9, when more detailed announcements on each of the 21 points would be made.

Of interest to the institution of the Legislative Assembly itself was the 21st step, which stated:

"The 21st century demands that Ontario's democratic processes be modern and responsive. The 21st step of the plan is support for parliamentary reform, particularly changes that enhance the role and responsibilities of MPPs.

* The government will propose that more issues, particularly those requiring in-depth examination and considered recommendations, be referred to legislative committees.

* The government continues to view only votes on the budget and identified confidence questions as matters of confidence, and encourages other parties to do the same.

* It wants to restore the importance of the process by which MPPs hold the government accountable through review and approval of its spending estimates. To this end, the government will not view the reduction or rejection of any line item in a ministry's estimates as a matter of confidence.

* It will propose that the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly explore other parliamentary reforms that would enhance the role of private members and expand the use of technology."

As of this writing, the Committee has not yet received terms of reference for inquiring into and making recommendations to the House on these matters.

Following the...