Ontario.

• Author: Przezdziecki, Sylwia
• Position: Legislative Reports

David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, made his first official visit to Ontario, which was marked by a welcoming ceremony at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on December 2, 2010 where he was greeted by Premier Dalton McGuinty, Steve Peters, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario; and David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Governor General received full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, the "Viceregal Salute" and the inspection of the guard of honour, composed of soldiers from the 32 Canadian Brigade Group and the Governor General's Horse Guards.

In the Lobby of the Legislative Building twinkling with Christmas trees, against the backdrop of red-robed children from the Thomas Street Middle School Choir assembled on the Grand Staircase, Speaker Peters, Premier McGuinty, and the Lieutenant Governor in turn offered words of welcome to the Governor General. His Excellency addressed the Members of Provincial Parliament and guests gathered in the Lobby, outlining in his remarks the three pillars defining his term in office: to support families and children, to reinforce learning and innovation, and to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism.

While the ceremony was taking place in the Lobby, the House was in session directly above. To ensure that the Governor General's visit was not disrupted in any way by the bells that signal divisions, the House adopted a motion that any votes be deferred until the following sitting day. Even the two quick rings of the division bells that signal adjournment of the House were dispensed with that day--the first time this has happened as far as anyone can remember.

150th Anniversary of Queen's Park

The year 2010 marked the 150th anniversary of Queen's Park, site of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. An Ontario Heritage Trust plaque honouring the anniversary was unveiled by Her Majesty the Queen during her visit to Queen's Park in July, and has now been permanently installed on the legislative grounds. Also installed was a new locator sign indicating the placement of plaques, statues and monuments on the grounds of the legislative building.

Technology

An eight-day rolling archive of the daily Question Period was added to the Legislative Assembly website. Viewers at home may now watch the current day's Question Period, as well as from the seven preceding days. When announcing the new archive to the House, Speaker Peters emphasized its importance with the satellite TV...