Ontario.

• Author: McCauley, Jocelyn
• Position: Legislative Reports

Membership Changes

Effective September 1, 2017, a vacancy occurred in the membership of the House following the resignation of Liberal MPP Glen Murray. Mr. Murray was the MPP for Toronto Centre, as well as the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

On September 11, 2017, the House welcomed its newest Member, Ross Romano (MPP for Sault Ste. Marie). Mr. Romano was returned as duly elected following a by-election on June 1, 2017.

Condolences

During this period, the House expressed its condolence on the death of Edward Michael Havrot, Member for the Electoral District of Timiskaming from October 21, 1971 to September 17, 1975 and from June 9,1977 to May 1,1985.

Casting Vote

On September 21, 2017, the Deputy Speaker Soo Wong (Scarborough-Agincourt) cast a deciding vote on the motion for Second Reading of Bill 146, An Act to amend the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 to provide transparency in gas pricing. The motion for Second Reading of the Bill carried on the following division: 17-16, and the Bill was subsequently referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. This is the tenth time in the history of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario that a presiding officer was required to deliver a casting vote. The previous nine occasions also occurred during Private Members' Public Business, most recently in November 2009.

Temporary Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario

On September 27, 2017, an Order in Council was issued appointing J. David Wake as the temporary Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario, commencing September 26, 2017.

Committee Activities

Standing Committee on Estimates

The Standing Committee on Estimates began its consideration of the 2017-2018 Estimates of selected ministries and offices.

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs met for consideration of Bill 148, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Labour Relations Act, 1995 and to make related amendments to other Acts...