Symbolic Bill Affirms Assembly's Independence

Summary#

This is a ceremonial “pro forma” bill that the Ontario Legislature introduces at the very start of a new session. Its goal is to show that the Assembly can meet and act on its own, without needing permission from the Crown (the King/government), and can set its own agenda before debating the Throne Speech. It does not change any laws or programs.

• Affirms the Assembly’s right to sit and act without leave from the Crown.
• States the Assembly can give priority to its own business before the Throne Speech.
• Records a practice that dates back to the 1500s in the British Parliament.
• Adopts the pro forma bill practice to explain and record the constitutional principle.
• Has no policy content and does not proceed beyond an initial reading.

What it means for you#

• General public

  • No direct impact on daily life, services, taxes, or rights.
  • It is mainly a public reminder that elected members, not the Crown, control the Assembly’s agenda.

• Civic observers and students

  • Helps explain why the first bill each session is symbolic.
  • Shows the historical roots of Ontario’s parliamentary traditions.

• Government workers and local governments

  • No operational changes or new requirements.

Expenses#

Estimated cost: negligible; it is a brief ceremonial step during the opening of a session.

• No new programs, staff, or services.
• Any cost is limited to normal legislative time already budgeted.

Proponents' View#

• Reinforces a core constitutional principle: the Legislature’s independence from the Crown.
• Signals that elected representatives control their own agenda from the very start of a session.
• Preserves a long-standing tradition that connects Ontario to broader parliamentary history.
• Provides a clear, public record of this principle in the official proceedings.
• Simple, quick, and non-controversial way to educate the public about how the system works.

Opponents' View#

• Some may see it as purely symbolic and unnecessary since it does not change any law.
• Could be viewed as outdated ceremony that may confuse people about its purpose.
• Uses a small amount of time that could instead go to regular business, even if only briefly.