Ontario.

• Author: Tyrell, Christopher
• Position: Legislative Reports

Condolences

During the Third Session of the 41st Parliament, the House expressed its condolences on the passing of several former Members: Ronald Van Home, Member for the electoral district of London North from June 9, 1977 to December 31, 1987; Chris Stockwell, former Speaker and Member for the electoral districts of Etobicoke West and Etobicoke Centre from September 6, 1990 to September 2, 2003; and Peter L. Preston, Member for the electoral district of Brant-Haldimand from June 8, 1995 to June 2, 1999.

New Parliamentary Officer

On April 18, 2018, an Order in Council was tabled appointing Peter Weltman as Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario for a fixed term of five years, effective May 7, 2018. Mr. Weltman brings several years of experience working at the Parliamentary Budget Office in Ottawa to his new role.

J. David Wake had held the position previously on a temporary basis since September 26, 2017, concurrently with his permanent role as the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario.

Dissolution and 2018 Ontario Election

The Ontario Legislature was dissolved by Proclamation on May 8, 2018, with the electoral writs being issued the following day.

With the passage of Bill 45, Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016 in December of 2016, Ontario's election date is affixed to the first Thursday in June in the fourth calendar year following polling day in the most recent general election. Accordingly, Ontario's 42nd general election occurred on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

The election returned 76 Progressive Conservatives, 40 New Democrats, seven Liberals and one Green Party member to Ontario's newly expanded 124-seat Legislature. Of note is that Mike Schreiner's victory in Guelph represents the first seat won by a Green Party candidate in Ontario's history.

Committee Updates

Standing Committee on Social Policy

The Standing Committee on Social Policy met in April to consider Bill 3, An Act respecting transparency of pay in employment. The Bill establishes requirements relating to the disclosure of information about the compensation of employees and prospective employees. The Committee held two days of public hearings on the Bill, followed by one day of clause-by-clause consideration. The Bill was reported back to the House, as amended, and went on to receive Royal Assent on May 7, 2018.

Standing Committee on Justice Policy

The Standing Committee on Justice Policy met in April to consider Bill 6, An Act to enact the Ministry of Community Safety...