How many days do provincial politicians spend legislating?
Provincial legislatures in Canada sit an average of 47 days, but gaps vary widely See which provinces meet most and least, and why fewer sitting days can hurt scrutiny
Provincial and territorial legislatures in Canada sat for about 47 days on average last year, according to a CBC review of sitting calendars. Quebec’s National Assembly met the most, at 79 days, while Newfoundland and Labrador’s House of Assembly met the least, at 23 days.
The article examines how much time elected officials spend in the legislature versus their constituency offices, and why that balance matters. Some politicians argue that important work happens outside the chamber, while others say fewer sitting days can reduce accountability and limit scrutiny of proposed laws.
The number of sitting days varies widely by province and territory, and scheduled calendars are not always followed exactly. Elections, government popularity, and political strategy can all affect how often legislatures meet, with some critics saying short sessions can lead to rushed debate and weaker legislation.