Ontario.

• Date: 22 December 2020
• Author: Tyrell, Chris

Back to Work

After a summer break beginning on July 14, the Legislative Assembly resumed sitting in September 2020. Prior to the break, the House had been meeting for two days a week in May and June (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and three days a week in July (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays). For the fall, the House has returned to meeting on its traditional four days per week.

As part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several new measures have been implemented to assist Members in continuing to represent their constituents in a safe and secure manner.

A request was issued by the Speaker for all Members, staff and occupants of the Legislative Precinct to wear a mask in the common areas inside the precinct and in any other place where physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained. Staff are also encouraged to work remotely when and where possible.

The House also passed a motion to allow Members to speak and vote from any Member's desk in the Chamber in order to observe recommended physical distancing.

The method of conducting recorded divisions, as provided for in the Standing Orders, has been temporarily amended with an eye to physical distancing. Rather than Members standing in their place and being counted one at a time by the Clerk, a new system was put in place whereby Members file out of the chamber and record their vote in one of the Members' lobbies adjoining the Chamber. The East Members' lobby is designated for the Ayes; the West Members' lobby is designated for the Nays. During a vote the division bells ring for 30 minutes, during which time the Table Officers stationed in the lobbies record the votes of all Members who wish to do so. Whips of the recognized parties or their designates may attend the Members'...