Decision by a Member to refrain from voting for or against a given motion. Members are not obliged to vote, and the records of the House take no official notice of such a refusal. Members wishing to abstain should remain in their seats when asked to rise and record their vote.

A bill that has passed first, second, and third reading in the House, and becomes law upon receiving the signature of the Lieutenant Governor signifying Royal Assent.

An address, debated in the House, that expresses the thanks of the House to the Lieutenant Governor for the Speech from the Throne. It is an opportunity for the House to debate the Government’s legislative program and to express confidence in the Government. It is typically moved and seconded by backbench Members of the party from which the Government is formed. The debate on the motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne is typically called the “Throne Speech debate.”

A short debate -- held by request on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the normal 6:00 p.m.  adjournment time -- in which Members may raise matters they believe have not been satisfactorily dealt with during Oral Questions. A question raised during an adjournment debate is followed by a Government reply. Also known as a “late show”.

1. A suspension by the House of a debate before the matter under debate has been decided. The item that had been under consideration remains on the Orders and Notices Paper, to be taken up again another day.
2. A motion for adjournment of debate is sometimes used as a dilatory tactic to delay progress on a question.

1. A termination by the House of a meeting of the House (e.g., at the end of a sessional day).
2. A motion for adjournment of the House is sometimes used as a dilatory tactic to delay progress on a question.

The daily, sequential routine of the following House proceedings: Introduction of Visitors, Reports by Committees, Introduction of Government Bills, Introduction of Bills, Statements by the Ministry and Responses, Motions and Petitions. 

See also: Morning Routine. 

A proposal by a Member that seeks to modify a motion, or section of a bill, in order to increase its acceptability or to present a different proposal. All amendments are in the form of a motion altering the text of the original motion.

See: Subamendment.

See: Private Member.

A wooden barrier that is placed across the inside entrance of the Chamber to demarcate the area where witnesses and others stand when summoned by the House.

The governing body of the Legislative Assembly. The Board is composed of the Speaker (in the role of Chair), and an equal number of representatives from the party from which the Government is formed and the combined recognized opposition parties. One of the representatives of the party from which the Government is formed is required to be a member of the Executive Council (a Cabinet minister). The Board is responsible for all matters of financial and administrative policy affecting the Legislative Assembly.

See: Order of Precedence.

An electronic bell that calls Members to the Chamber for the beginning of a meeting day, for a vote, or for a quorum call.

A proposed law. Bills must go through three readings, usually a committee process, and Royal Assent before they become law.

A comprehensive statement of the Government’s economic programme and fiscal policies, including measures it proposes to address the province’s economic situation, existing and anticipated. The budget takes the form of a speech by the Minister of Finance, which marks the beginning of a debate on the motion that “[the] House approves in general the Budgetary Policy of the Government”.

See: Executive Council.

A deciding vote cast by a Presiding Officer in order to break a tie.

1. (n.) Presiding Officer of the House, or a committee thereof.
2. (n.) Presiding Officer’s seat of authority.
3. (v.) To assume the duties of a Presiding Officer [e.g., ‘to chair the committee’].

The room where the House meets to conduct its business.  Officially the main Chamber in the legislative building at Queen’s Park, but in the event that the Assembly chose or was required to meet elsewhere, the hall or meeting room used for that purpose would be the Chamber.

The stage of a committee’s study of a bill during which the committee methodically reviews and votes on all sections of the bill. The committee also considers amendments to the bill as part of this process.

The principal officer of the House and the administrative director of the Office of the Legislative Assembly. The Clerk, the Deputy Clerk and the Table Officers provide procedural advice to the Speaker and Members. 

A procedure used to terminate debate on a particular item of business before the House. The motion takes the form of "That the question be now put" and may be moved without notice by any Member who has the floor in the debate. If the House agrees to the closure motion, the Speaker must then put the question on the main motion before the House without further amendment or debate. If the closure motion is negatived by the House, debate on the main motion and/or any amendments continues. Closure may also be moved in committee.

The House acting as an ad hoc committee with a membership composed of all Members of the House who are present when the Committee is constituted. The Committee of the Whole House meets in the Chamber to conduct clause-by-clause consideration of bills. Also called Committee of the Whole.

See: Electoral District.

An offense against the authority or dignity of the House, or an act that obstructs or impedes the House or its Members in the discharge of their functions. The House is asked to deal with an alleged contempt only when it appears to the Speaker to be evident at first glance (‘prima facie’).

See also: Privilege, Question of Privilege.

A constitutional convention by which the Executive (the Government) must demonstrate that it commands the support of a sufficient number of Members of the House to implement its policies, enact legislation or authorize expenditure from the public purse. Such support is usually referred to as “confidence.” Certain items of business are considered to be confidence matters, e.g. the Budget and budget implementation bills, the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, and most Supply and appropriations bills (also known as “money bills”). Explicit want of confidence motions (non-confidence motions) may also be put forward by members of recognized parties. If the Executive loses the confidence of the House, another party or parties could seek to form a new Government, or a general election might be needed.

See: Want of Confidence Motion.

The official, substantially verbatim written report of what is said in the House and its committees.  Also referred to as the “Hansard.”

A recorded division that is not held at the close of a debate, but at a later time. Any deferred votes will be held following the next Question Period during the Morning Routine proceeding “Deferred Votes”.

A motion that delays proceedings or suspends consideration of a question.

Any incident where a Member ignores the authority of the Chair or where a stranger interferes with the business of the House or a committee.

The means by which a Parliament ends. By convention, dissolution is granted by the Lieutenant Governor at the request of the Premier. An election always follows dissolution.

See also: Prorogation.

A vote in which, upon the calling of the question, Members divide into 2 groups -- the ‘ayes’ and the ‘nays’ -- in order to reach a decision.

See also: Deferred Vote, Recorded Division, and Voice Vote.

A geographical area represented by a Member of Provincial Parliament in the Legislative Assembly. Also called “constituency” or “riding.”

Detailed government spending plans for each Ministry and Office (such as Cabinet Office or the Office of the Premier), the tabling of which in the House formally constitutes the Executive’s request for legislative approval to appropriate funds from the public purse.

The governing body made up of the ministers of government departments and the Premier (also called the Cabinet). The ministers are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Premier and are usually chosen from elected members of the party from which the Government is formed. The Executive Council formulates government policies and is responsible for the administration of all the ministries of government. The Crown and Executive Council together comprise the executive branch of government.

The use of various procedural tactics to delay or prolong the business of the House or a committee.

See: Introduction and First Reading.

The part of the Chamber that is reserved for the Members and officials of the House.

The parts of the Chamber that are reserved for visitors and guests of the House. 

The Member (usually a Minister) responsible for managing the Government’s business in the House, including announcing the daily order of House business.

See also: House Leader.

See: Debates.

Refers to the MPPs meeting to conduct business. It does not require that all 124 Members be present. 

A Member who is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of his or her caucus in the legislature. The House Leaders meet weekly to plan the business of the legislature. Caucuses with recognized party status typically have one House Leader and one or more Deputy House Leaders.

See also: Government House Leader.

A meeting from which the public is excluded. Committees sometimes meet in this way to deal with draft reports and other confidential matters. Also referred to as “closed session” meetings.

Typically the first speech delivered by a newly-elected Member during a debate in the Chamber. New Members often make their inaugural speeches during the debate on the motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, although sometimes these speeches are made during other debates. A Member's inaugural speech is distinguished from other interventions he or she may make in the House (e.g. asking a question during Oral Questions, commenting on another Member's remarks, or making a statement during Members' Statements). The inaugural speech allows new Members to introduce themselves to the House and their colleagues. When delivering their inaugural speech, Members are granted a degree of latitude in their comments, which are not required to be strictly relevant to the subject matter under debate.

1. A Member who does not belong to or represent any political party, or who has been expelled from, or voluntarily left, a party caucus.
2. Under the Standing Orders, MPPs belonging to a party caucus that does not have recognized party status (10 per cent of the total number of seats in the Assembly), or an MPP who is the sole representative of a political party in the Assembly, are treated as "independents" and have more limited opportunities for participation in House proceedings.

The presentation of a bill to the House, and its initial consideration by the House. There is no debate at this stage.

The official record of the decisions of the House. At the end of a session, the daily Votes and Proceedings documents are compiled to create the publication called the Journals.

See also: Votes and Proceedings.

See: Adjournment Debate.

The Member recognized by the Speaker as the leader of the largest political party in opposition to the Government. Also referred to as the “Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.”

The collective body of all 124 elected Members of Provincial Parliament.

The term “Legislature” is understood to be a synonym of “Parliament.” In the Canadian provincial context, a Legislature consists of the Crown and an elected body. In Ontario, the Legislature consists of the Lieutenant Governor and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

The Crown's representative at the provincial level. In Ontario's (and Canada's) system of parliamentary democracy, the Crown holds supreme power on behalf of the people and lends it to be exercised by the Government of the day. The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General of Canada, on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada, for a non-fixed term of at least five years.

The Lieutenant Governor acting on the advice of the Premier or other member of the Executive Council.

A large and richly ornamented staff that is the symbol of the authority of the Legislative Assembly. When the Speaker takes the chair, the Sergeant-at-Arms places the mace on the Table to signify that the House is in session. No business may be conducted in the House unless the Mace is present.

An individual elected to represent a particular electoral district in the Legislative Assembly. Also called Members or MPPs.

The proceeding during the Morning Routine during which a Member, other than a leader of a recognized party in the House or a minister of the Crown, may make a short statement on matters of local, provincial, or national importance.

A Member appointed to the Executive Council by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Premier.

The daily, sequential routine of the following House proceedings: Members’ Statements, Introduction of Visitors, Question Period, and Deferred Votes. The morning routine begins at 10:15 each day.

See also: Afternoon Routine.

A formal proposal that seeks to elicit a decision from the House or a committee thereof.

The proceeding in the Afternoon Routine during which the Government House Leader may move routine motions.

A disciplinary procedure used by the Speaker to maintain order in the House. The Speaker names a Member by using the name of the Member rather than their electoral district, for persistently disregarding the authority of the Chair. When naming a Member, the Speaker orders them to withdraw from the Chamber for the remainder of the sessional day (in the case of a minor offence). If named, the Member will also be unable to attend committee meetings that day. Longer suspensions may occur if the offence is of a more serious nature, or if the named Member refuses to leave the Chamber.

A formal written announcement of a Member’s intention to move a motion. Notices of motion are printed in the Orders and Notices Paper. Not all motions require notice.

An officer responsible to the Legislative Assembly for the carrying out of duties assigned by statute. For example, the Auditor General, Chief Electoral Officer, and the Ombudsman are Officers of the Assembly. Also referred to as “Independent Officers” or “Parliamentary Officers.”

Usually, the opposition party with the largest number of seats. Also referred to as “His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.” 

The Members and/or Parties in opposition to the Government.

A member of a Party in opposition who is the Party’s spokesperson for a certain policy area.

See also: Shadow Cabinet.

A block of time on certain sessional days that is reserved for debate on a matter selected by a member of a recognized opposition party.

See: Question Period.

When the House carries a motion that requires that some action be taken, it becomes an Order of the House.

The order in which Members present their item of Private Members' Public Business, determined by lottery (or “ballot draw”) at the beginning of every session, or as required. Also referred to as the “ballot list.”

An order of the House to a committee instructing it to consider some matter or defining the scope of its deliberations. It may form part of the Standing Orders, or be specially adopted to deal with an issue as it arises.

The official agenda of the House. It includes the business that is scheduled for consideration in the House that day, as well as the status of all business that has been introduced to date. Also referred to as the "Order Paper."

The main business called for consideration in the House on a given day. Certain periods of time in the parliamentary day are designated for Orders of the Day.

1. Form of governance typical of Westminster-style jurisdictions. In Ontario, parliament has two components: the Crown (represented by the Lieutenant Governor) and the Legislative Assembly. See also: Legislature.
2. The period covering the life of a parliament. It begins on the day designated for the return of the writs (after an election) and ends with dissolution, or constitutional expiration.
3. Refers to a specific political institution, e.g., the Parliament of Ontario, the Parliament of Canada, the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the Parliament of New Zealand, etc.

 A Member of the party from which the Government is formed who supports the work of a Minister in such a manner as the Minister directs. The Lieutenant Governor appoints Parliamentary Assistants on the advice of the Premier.

A calendar, published by the Clerk of the House, showing the days on which the House meets according to the Standing Orders during a calendar year.  

The body of rules, conventions, and practices by which the House conducts its business. It is based on statutes, the Standing Orders, precedents, and tradition.

A group of Members who share the same political affiliation.

A document presented to the House by a Member during the Afternoon Routine. A petition is signed by one or more residents of Ontario, and requests that the Legislative Assembly take some action or change its position on questions of public policy or public interest. 

The act by which a Member brings to the attention of the Speaker an alleged breach of the parliamentary rules. The Speaker rules on these points and such rulings are not debatable or subject to appeal.

Every sessional day begins with the Speaker reading the prayers. The daily prayers consist of the Lord’s Prayer, and one of a selection of other prayers, passages, and moments of silent reflection that represent the demographic composition of the Legislative Assembly and of the province.

A past ruling or practice that becomes a guiding principle for future action; convention established by long practice.

The Member appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to form government, head Executive Council, advise the Lieutenant Governor on the appointment of Cabinet Ministers, and maintain the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. The provincial head of government. The Premier is usually the leader of the political party from which the government is formed.

The Member who presides at a meeting of the House -- whether the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Acting Speaker or -- in a committee, the Chair, Vice Chair, or Acting Chair.

All Members who are not part of the Executive Council or the Speaker. Some private Members may hold positions within their caucus, e.g. party leader, House Leader, Whip, or opposition critic. Private Members who do not have any additional duties assigned to them are often referred to as backbenchers.

The proceeding of the House, currently held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m., during which the House considers private Members’ bills and motions.

The rights and immunities belonging to the House and its Members that allow them to carry out their parliamentary duties free from obstruction and prosecution.

See also: Question of Privilege, Contempt.

An official notice or order issued by the Crown. For example, a Parliament is summoned and dissolved by proclamation.

The means by which a session is terminated. By convention, prorogation is granted by the Lieutenant Governor at the request of the Premier. As a general rule, all business is removed from the Orders and Notices Paper at the time of prorogation.

See also: Dissolution, Session.

The act by which a Member brings to the attention of the Speaker and the House an alleged breach of privilege.

See also: Contempt, Privilege.

The proceeding during which Members direct oral questions to Ministers and the Premier, who may in turn respond. The time for Question Period lasts for up to 60 minutes. Also called Oral Questions.

A period of five to 10 minutes at the conclusion of certain speeches during which Members may ask questions on matters relevant to the original speech. A Member has up to one minute to ask their question and the original speaker will have up to one minute to respond.

The number of Members necessary to constitute a meeting of the House (or a committee) for the exercise of its powers. In the House, this number is set at 12; in a committee, it is a majority of the members of the committee. The Presiding Officer of the House or committee is included in a quorum count. The Speaker or Chair will only recognize an absence of a quorum if it is raised by a Member. 

When a Member draws the attention of the Speaker (or of the Chair in a committee) to the absence of quorum, the business under consideration is interrupted until a quorum is established. If a quorum is not established within a specified time, the House or committee adjourns. 

A temporary interruption in a meeting of the House or a committee, either scheduled (e.g. a lunch break) or unscheduled (e.g. a recess in proceedings for grave disorder, for the Chair to consider a ruling, or in Committee, when a recess has been requested prior to a vote).

A political party caucus that has a membership of at least 10 per cent of the total number of seats in the Assembly, as defined by Standing Order 3. The current threshold for recognized party status is a minimum membership of 12 Members.

A division where the names of Members who vote for and against a motion are recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.

The item of the Daily Routine during which committee Chairs (or other committee members) may present reports from standing and select committees to the House.

A motion adopted by the House in order to express an opinion or position. A resolution does not have the effect of requiring that any action be taken.

See: Electoral District.

A motion that does not require notice, usually related to managing the work or schedule of the House.

The final stage of the legislative process where the Lieutenant Governor, on behalf of the Crown, signs into law a bill passed by the House.

A decision by the Speaker (or the Chair of a committee) on the procedural acceptability of a matter, which, unless otherwise specified, serves as a precedent to govern future proceedings.

A Member’s assigned desk in the Chamber. Members may only speak and vote from their assigned seats. Sometimes used as an informal reference to a Member's electoral district.

A Member who formally supports a motion moved by another Member. Only three kinds of motions require a seconder: a motion for the election of a Member to the role of Speaker, a motion for the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne, and a budget motion. The seconding Member does not need to speak in order to support the motion, but may simply indicate their consent.

An officer of Parliament responsible for security in the House and the legislative precincts. The custodian of the mace, which symbolizes the authority of the Speaker in the House.

The second stage of the legislative process, at which time discussion on the principle or purpose of the bill takes place. Following second reading, the bill is typically referred to a standing committee for detailed examination.

A committee created specifically to study certain bills or issues for a defined period of time. After a select committee’s final report is presented to the House, the committee is typically dissolved.

One of the fundamental time periods into which a parliament is divided. Sessions begin with a Speech from the Throne and are ended by prorogation or dissolution of the parliament. A session is divided into a Spring and Fall meeting period each calendar year.

Any day on which the House meets. Also referred to as a sitting or meeting day.

A document tabled in the House or deposited with the Clerk of the House, and entered in the Votes and Proceedings.

A collective term for the Official Opposition Members who assume critic roles. Critics scrutinize the programs and policies for the government departments to which they are assigned.

See also: Opposition Critic.

The Member elected by the House (by secret ballot) to preside over its proceedings. In particular, the Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum. The Speaker also chairs of the Board of Internal Economy and oversees the administration of the Assembly. As the representative of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker also has a number of traditional, ceremonial and diplomatic duties.

A speech that is written by the Executive and delivered by the Lieutenant Governor at the opening of each new session. It outlines, in general terms, the Government’s plans and priorities for the session.

 A committee established by the Standing Orders for the duration of a Parliament. Standing committees examine and report on the conduct of activities by government departments and agencies, and report on matters referred to them by the House, including bills. There are currently eight standing committees.

A compilation of written rules, adopted by the House, that govern the proceedings of the House and its committees.

The proceeding during the Afternoon Routine during which a minister may announce Government initiatives to the House, after which a representative or representatives of each of the recognized opposition parties may comment on the announcements.

Anyone who is observing the proceedings of the House who is not a Member or an Official of the House.

An amendment that alters an amendment to the main motion.

A small sub-group of a standing or select committee, to which the committee or the House delegates certain responsibilities. Usually composed of the committee’s Chair and one committee member from each recognized party.

A rule and a convention restricting Members from commenting on matters that are before the courts, particularly criminal matters. This restriction does not apply to bills.

A self-contained proposal that, if carried, constitutes a decision of the House. Substantive motions require notice.

1. (n.) The Table in front of the Speaker’s chair in the Chamber, at which the Clerk and Table Officers sit. The mace is placed on the Table when the House is sitting.
2. (v.) To present a document to the House, for consideration or consultation by Members.

The Clerks who sit at the Table during sittings of the House. Table Officers provide procedural advice to the Speaker and Members, take the votes, receive tabled documents, and track the proceedings of the House.

The last stage of consideration of a bill by the House, at the conclusion of which the bill as a whole is either finally approved or rejected.

See: Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.

A motion, moved by the Government, that allocates a specific period of time for the consideration of one or more stages of a government bill or substantive motion.

Oral consent given by all Members present in the Chamber that is required in order for the House to make a decision that contravenes the rules and usual practices of the House. Decisions made by unanimous consent do not constitute precedent.

Words, expressions or statements that contravene the rules of decorum in the House.  Members who use unparliamentary language are ordered by the Speaker to withdraw the offending language; refusal to withdraw may result in the Member being named by the Speaker.

See also: Naming a Member.

An oral vote, one in which the names of individual Members are not recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.

The official daily record of the decisions and proceedings of the House, published after each sessional day.

See also: Journals.

An explicitly worded motion that states, in express terms, that the House no longer has confidence in the Government. Standing Order 46 provides that in any session, with proper notice, the Official Opposition is entitled to a maximum of three motions of want of confidence in the government; the recognized party having the third largest membership in the House is entitled to a maximum of two such motions, and any other recognized party is entitled to one.

See: Confidence Convention.

A Member who ensures the presence of their caucus members in the House or at committee meetings to take part in proceedings and votes. Recognized parties typically have a Whip and one or more Deputy Whips.

A person appearing before a committee to provide evidence or technical advice on a bill or other subject under consideration.