New Integrity Oath for Legislators

Summary#

• Bill 108 would add a new oath (or non‑religious affirmation) of office that future Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) must take before they can sit or vote in the Ontario Legislature.
• The oath promises fairness, integrity, honesty, and acting in the public interest. It rejects corrupt payments and knowingly false statements.
• The rule starts with the next general election after the bill becomes law. It can be taken in English or French, with or without the words “So help me God.”
• The bill does not add new penalties for breaking the oath. It also does not replace the separate, existing oath of allegiance required under Canadian law.

Key changes

• Creates a set, public oath/affirmation of office focused on honesty and integrity.
• Requires every newly elected MPP (starting next general election) to take it before sitting or voting.
• Lets members choose English or French, and choose an affirmation (non‑religious) instead of an oath.
• Takes effect on Royal Assent, but the oath requirement applies only to members elected on or after the next general election date.

What it means for you#

• Voters and residents

  • Your MPP, if elected at or after the next general election, must publicly promise to act fairly, avoid corruption, not make statements they know are false, represent local views, and follow Ontario and Canadian laws.
  • If an elected member refuses to take the oath, they cannot sit or vote until they do, which could temporarily limit representation for that riding.
  • Day‑to‑day government services and programs do not change because of this bill.

• Current MPPs

  • No immediate change. The new oath applies only if you are elected on or after the next general election after this bill becomes law.

• Candidates and future MPPs

  • You must take the new oath/affirmation before you can take your seat or vote in the Legislature.

• Language and faith preferences

  • You can take the oath in English or French.
  • You may choose a non‑religious affirmation that omits “So help me God.”

• Accountability and ethics rules

  • The bill itself does not create new enforcement tools or penalties. Existing ethics laws, oversight bodies, and penalties stay the same.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: minimal.

• Mostly administrative tasks for the Legislature (e.g., staff time and record‑keeping).
• No new programs, investigators, or fines are created by the bill.
• No direct costs for municipalities, businesses, or individuals.
• No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Sets a clear, public promise of honesty and integrity that can build trust in government.
• Draws a bright line against corrupt payments and personal gain.
• Reminds members to represent constituents and act in the public interest.
• Low‑cost change with a simple, consistent process in both official languages.
• Offers a non‑religious affirmation, making the pledge inclusive.

Opponents' View#

• Largely symbolic because the bill adds no new penalties or enforcement.
• Duplicates existing oaths and ethics rules already in place for MPPs.
• Delays impact by starting only after the next general election.
• Terms like “not make statements known to be false” may be hard to judge in political debate.
• If a member refuses to take the oath, their riding could face reduced representation until the issue is resolved.