Ontario.

• Author: Day, Trevor
• Position: Legislative Reports

On Monday, September 14, 2009, the fall session of the Ontario Legislative Assembly commenced with the Speaker recognizing the Member for Niagara West-Glanbrook, Tim Hudak, as the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Mr. Hudak was elected as leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party on June 30, during the summer recess.

As a result of the resignation of Liberal MPP Michael Bryant on June 7, a by-election was held in the riding of St. Paul's on September 17. The successful candidate was Eric Hoskins (Liberal), the co-founder and president of War Child Canada. The newest member of the Legislature assumed his seat on September 30.

Committee Activities

The Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions was struck pursuant to an Order of the House dated February 24, 2009. The Committee is mandated to report its observations and recommendations with respect to a comprehensive Ontario mental health and addictions strategy. In August, the Committee conducted meetings and site visits in Moose Factory, Sioux Lookout and Sandy Lake. The Committee then travelled for public consultations to Ottawa, Sudbury and Thunder Bay in September. The Committee continued to hold public consultations in Toronto through the fall.

The Standing Committee on General Government considered Bill 173, An Act to Amend the Mining Act, and Bill 191, An Act with respect to land use planning and protection in the Far North. The bills were referred to the Committee after second and first reading respectively, and were considered concurrently during the summer recess. The Committee held public hearings in Toronto, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Chapleau and Timmins. Clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 173 took place on September 14, 16, 23, 28 and 30. A time allocation motion was passed in the House on October 6 and clause-by-clause consideration was completed on October 7. Clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 191 took place on October 19 and 21. Both bills were reported as amended.

The Standing Committee on Justice Policy considered Bill 183, An Act to revise and modernize the law related to apprenticeship training and trades qualifications and to establish the Ontario College of Trades. The Bill provides for the establishment of the Ontario College of Trades and revises the framework for apprenticeship training and certification. The Committee held public hearings on September 17 and 24. After clause-by-clause consideration on October 2, the bill was...