Ontario.

• Author: Lim, Valerie Quioc
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Ontario Legislature wrapped up a busy spring sitting on June 9, 2016, with 13 public bills receiving Royal Assent during May and June.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

On May 30, the House adjourned during pleasure to allow for remarks on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Premier Kathleen Wynne addressed the House with the government's official response to the Commission's report. She offered a formal apology for the abuses suffered by Ontario's indigenous people, and announced the release of a government report that outlines how Ontario is further responding to the Commission's findings and calls to action. As part of its response, the government renamed its Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Official Opposition leader Patrick Brown and Third Party leader Andrea Horwath also addressed the House. The three leaders' speeches not only commented on the Commission's work but also touched on the history of the province's indigenous people, with particular reference to the residential school system, including the personal stories and struggles of survivors.

In response, six guests from Ontario's indigenous communities made remarks: Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief; Margaret Froh, President of the Metis Nation of Ontario; Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; Sheila McMahon, President of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, President of the Ontario Native Women's Association; and Andrew Wesley, a survivor of the residential school system. Each of their narratives highlighted their community's perspective during this historic event.

The last dignitary to address the Ontario Legislature was Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard in May 2015, and before that was Japanese Ambassador Kaoru Ishikawa in April 2011.

Speaker's Ruling

On June 9, Speaker Dave Levac ruled on a question of privilege raised by Jim Wilson, Member for Simcoe--Grey, regarding the government's proposed climate change action plan. The plan was seemingly released to the media before its announcement or tabling in the House, and the Member contended that this amounted to contempt of the House. Mr. Wilson asserted that the relevant legislation has a provision that required the plan to be tabled in the House before it was made public. As Speakers traditionally avoid interpreting laws, the Speaker could not rule on the interpretation of the particular provision cited by Mr. Wilson.

On the same question of privilege, Mr. Wilson also cited rulings by Speakers of the Canadian House of Commons relating to the premature...