Ontario.

• Author: Pomanski, Tamara
• Position: Legislative Reports

Budget 2014

On May 1, 2014, Finance Minister Charles Sousa presented Ontario's 2014 Budget. This was the second budget presented under Premier Kathleen Wynne in the then-minority parliament. Following public statements in which both opposition leaders stated their parties would not be supporting the budget, the Premier met with the Lieutenant Governor to seek the dissolution of Parliament. Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley dissolved the 40th Parliament on May 2, 2014, and issued the writs for Ontario's 41st general election on May 7, 2014. The anomaly of issuing the writs several days following the dissolution of Parliament was a result of Ontario's fixed election date legislation. The Election Act states that the writs for elections must be issued on a Wednesday and that general elections must be held on a Thursday. The "early" dissolution of a parliament is not contemplated in the Act.

Election

The Ontario general election was held on June 12, 2014. Prior to dissolution, the composition of the 107 member House was as follows: Liberals 48 seats; Progressive Conservatives 37 seats; New Democrats 21 seats; and 1 vacant seat.

The election resulted in the Liberals gaining 10 seats and changing the composition of the House to a governing majority. The composition of the 41st Parliament is as follows: Liberals 58 seats; Progressive Conservatives 28 seats; and New Democrats 21 seats.

Following the election, the Member for Niagara West-Glanbrook, Tim Hudak, announced his resignation as Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, effective July 2, 2014. The Party has appointed the Member for Simcoe-Grey, Jim Wilson, as the interim leader and the Speaker has recognized him as the Leader of the Official Opposition.

Members Take Their Oath

On July 2, 2014, during a ceremony held in the Chamber, Members took their oath simultaneously with Lieutenant Governor Onley presiding. This was the first time in Ontario's history that the Lieutenant Governor has administered the oaths this way. During the ceremony, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield led the Members in the singing of the national anthem. Members were then required to sign the roll before taking their seats later that day for the election of the Speaker.

Election of Speaker

The 1st Session of the 41st Parliament began on July 2, 2014, with the election of the Speaker. The five candidates nominated were: the Member for Parkdale-High Park, Cheri DiNovo; the Member for Brant and previous Speaker...