Ontario.

• Author: Kobikrishna, Thushitha
• Position: Legislative Reports

Fall Sitting

On September 3, 2021, the Ontario legislature prorogued, ending the 1st Session of the 42nd Parliament. The Second Session began on October 4, 2021, with the Speech from the Throne. During the fall sitting that followed, Royal Assent was granted to six government bills, five private members' public bills and eight private bills. On December 9, 2021 the House adjourned for the winter break and is scheduled to resume on February 22, 2022.

Rulings

On October 5, 2021, the Speaker delivered a ruling on a question of privilege raised by the Member for Lanark--Frontenac--Kingston, Randy Hillier, who alleged that the Sergeant-at-Arms had "impeded and obstructed" his attempt to vote in the voting lobbies. The Speaker ruled that no prima facie case of privilege had been established as the Sergeant-at-Arms was acting properly under the authority of the Chair and attempting to uphold the face mask requirement for Members pursuant to the Order of the House dated February 16, 2021.

On October 6, 2021, the Speaker delivered a ruling on a question of privilege raised by the Member for London West, Peggy Sattler, and the Member for York Centre, Roman Baber, respecting the ability of Members to rise on points of order to seek the unanimous consent of the House regarding the business of the day. The Speaker ruled that points of order will normally be heard, and legitimate points of order will be acknowledged and recognized; however, if they are repetitive in nature and are impending and obstructing the business of the House, the Chair may decide to move forward to maintain the orderly progress of the business of the House.

On November 3, 2021, the Speaker delivered a ruling on a point of order raised by the Member for Timiskaming--Cochrane, John Vanthof, regarding the orderliness of the routine motion passed by the House on November 1, 2021 respecting the authorization for certain Standing Committees to meet at the call of the Chair. The Speaker ruled that the motion was a routine motion, properly moved, considered and disposed of by the House and that it does not contain provisions that are abusive of the rules or that represent an inherent disadvantage to any part of the House.

Motion Concerning Member's Conduct

On October 28, 2021, the House passed a motion proposed by Government House Leader Paul Calandra with respect to the Member for Lanark--Frontenac-Kingston. The House expressed its disapproval of, and disassociated itself from, a string...