Ontario.

AuthorLim, Valerie Quioc
PositionLegislative Reports - Updates on the activities and members of the Ontario Legislature

Prorogation

Two years after the start of its 41st Parliament, the Ontario Legislature prorogued on September 8, 2016, and resumed its second session four days later on September 12. Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the session.

Members

A by-election was held on September 1 to fill a vacancy in the riding of Scarborough-Rouge River. Previously held by the former Liberal MPP, Bas Balkissoon, who resigned his seat on March 22, 2016, the seat was won by Progressive Conservative candidate Raymond Cho, a former Toronto City Councillor.

During the summer adjournment, former Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak announced that he was resigning as MPP for Niagara West-Glanbrook on September 16. Hudak's 21-year tenure at Queen's Park saw him in a variety of roles such as backbencher, Cabinet Minister, committee chair, and Party Leader. He has since become the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association.

Clerk's Retirement

After 37 years, Deborah Deller, Clerk of the Assembly, said goodbye to the Ontario Legislature on October 31. Ms. Deller began her career at the Assembly as a tour guide, developing a love for parliamentary procedure that propelled her journey to becoming Clerk of the Assembly in 2007.

Condolences

During this period, the House expressed its condolences on the passing of the following former Members:

* Charles Murray Tatham, Member for Oxford, September 10, 1987 to September 5, 1990.

* Cynthia Maria Nicholas, Member for Scarborough Centre, September 10, 1987 to September 5, 1990.

Committee Activities

The day after the Throne Speech, the House passed a motion to set out the business of certain Committees:

* The Standing Committee on Estimates was authorized to resume consideration of the 2016-2017 Expenditure Estimates at the same stage of progress as at prorogation of the 1st Session of the 41st Parliament. The Committee continues to meet to review the Estimates of the selected ministries and offices.

* The Standing Committee on Social Policy was authorized to conduct a study on the legislative and regulatory barriers and burdens facing service clubs in Ontario.

* The Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly was charged with considering Bill 64, An Act to amend the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act and the Employment Standards Act, 2000, which was reinstated on the Orders and Notices paper at the same stage of progress as at...

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