Ontario.

• Author: Rennie, Eric
• Position: Legislative Reports

Back-to-work Legislation

The College Employer Council, which represents the bargaining unit for Ontario's colleges, and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union were parties to a collective agreement for full-time academic staff that expired on September 30, 2017. A strike commenced on October 16, 2017, after bargaining negotiations broke down.

On November 16, at the request of the Executive Council, an Order in Council was issued ordering the Speaker to reconvene the 2nd Session of the 41st Parliament at 3:00 p.m. on November 17 so that the Government could introduce back-to-work legislation.

On Friday, November 17, the Government introduced Bill 178, An Act to resolve the labour dispute between the College Employer Council and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. The Legislative Assembly met through the weekend to debate the legislation, which passed third reading and received Royal Assent on Sunday, November 19. College students and staff returned to classrooms later that week.

Membership Changes

Jagmeet Singh resigned as the Member for Bramalea--Gore--Malton effective October 20, 2017, following his election as leader of the federal New Democratic Party. Cheri DiNovo resigned as the Member for Parkdale--High Park effective December 31, 2017.

Condolences

The House expressed its condolences on the passing of former Members W. Donald Cousens, Member for the electoral districts of York Centre and Markham from March 19, 1981--June 7, 1995; Montgomery "Monty" Davidson, Member for Cambridge from September 18, 1975--March 18, 1981; and Gordon Robert Carton, Member for Armourdale from September 25, 1963 September 17, 1975.

Committee Activities

Standing Committee on Estimates

The Standing Committee on Estimates met in the fall to review the 2017-2018 Expenditure Estimates of ministries and offices selected for consideration. Over the course of 12 meetings, the Committee reviewed the estimates of the Treasury Board Secretariat for seven hours and 30 minutes, the Ministry of Energy for seven hours and 30 minutes, and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for 12 hours and 15 minutes. The Committee presented its report to the House on November 16, 2017.

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs met to consider 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. Following three days of...