Ontario legislature remains on extended summer break
Ontario legislature delay raises scrutiny concerns as Ford extends the break See why opposition parties say the longer pause limits debate and oversight
Ontario MPPs are criticizing the Ford government for keeping the provincial legislature out of session until late October, after the planned September return was delayed by about five weeks.
The government says the change was made to avoid interfering with municipal elections. Opposition parties argue the longer break reduces scrutiny and leaves fewer chances to question ministers and review legislation.
Premier Doug Ford defended the decision, saying ministers can accomplish more while traveling and meeting with stakeholders outside Queen’s Park. Critics say the shortened sitting schedule has become a pattern and has also helped the government move bills quickly, sometimes without public hearings.