Ford government begins extended 21-week legislative break

Ontario’s Ford government is ending the spring session two days early and will not return to Queen’s Park until Oct. 27, creating a 21week break from legislative sittings. Government House Leader Steve Clark said the schedule is meant to avoid any appearance that the province is affecting municipal elections this fall, while noting that MPPs will still be active in their ridings, at conferences, and in committee work over the summer. Premier Doug Ford argued the government is more efficient when the legislature is not sitting, saying ministers can still govern through committee work and orders. Opposition parties, however, accused the government of using the calendar to reduce scrutiny and avoid accountability.