This bill aims to keep a long-standing parliamentary tradition alive. It states that the Ontario Legislative Assembly has the right to prioritize its own issues above the wishes of the Crown (the monarch or the government representing the monarch). The bill references the practice going back to the 16th century and says they will continue to formally recognize this practice through a "pro forma" (formal) bill.
The bill emphasizes that elected representatives in Ontario’s Legislative Assembly can choose to focus on local issues and laws without needing approval from the Crown or government officials. This helps ensure local representatives have a clear, constitutional right to act independently in making laws. It does not directly change existing laws affecting daily life but reinforces the independence of Ontario’s legislative process.
No publicly available information.
Supporters argue that this bill protects an ancient and important right of the legislature. They say it ensures elected representatives can focus on issues important to their communities without interference. By formalizing this, opponents say they are preserving an essential part of parliamentary democracy.
Critics might see this bill as mostly symbolic. They could argue it doesn’t change current law or practice but simply reaffirms a tradition that could be interpreted as limiting the Crown’s role. There’s no clear evidence it will impact how laws are made or how the government operates day-to-day.