Summary#
Bill 1 is a ceremonial bill. It is introduced at the very start of a new session, before the Throne Speech (the government’s plan for the session read by the Lieutenant Governor). Its goal is to show that the elected Assembly can meet and act on its own, without asking the Crown for permission.
- Asserts the Assembly’s right to set its own business before hearing the government’s agenda.
- Follows a long tradition dating back to the 1500s in Westminster-style parliaments.
- Does not change any laws, programs, taxes, or services.
- Is “pro forma,” meaning it is symbolic and not meant to be debated or passed into law.
What it means for you#
- Residents and families: No direct effect on daily life, benefits, or services.
- Workers and businesses: No changes to jobs, rules, or costs.
- Taxpayers: No change to taxes or fees.
- Students and civic watchers: A reminder of how the Legislature shows its independence at the start of a session.
- Legislators: A formal step to state the Assembly’s right to set its own agenda before the Throne Speech.
Expenses#
Estimated cost: none beyond routine administrative time.
- No new spending, programs, or staff.
- No effect on taxes or fees.
- Only minimal procedural time to introduce the bill.
Proponents' View#
- Protects an old constitutional principle: the Assembly can act without leave from the Crown.
- Signals that elected members, not the Crown, control the Assembly’s agenda.
- Preserves a historic practice that links Ontario to long-standing parliamentary traditions.
- Provides a simple, public way to explain this principle each session.
Opponents' View#
- Seen by some as purely symbolic and not needed to run the Legislature.
- Uses legislative time, even if only a few minutes, without producing practical results.
- The formal, historic language may confuse the public about what is actually changing (nothing).