What to know
- Ontario MPPs will not return to Queen’s Park until Oct. 27, creating a 21-week summer recess that began June 2, with the government citing concerns about overlapping with municipal elections and ongoing work through committees and ministerial orders.
- The decision drew criticism from opposition leaders, who argued the extended break reduces government accountability and wastes taxpayer dollars, while Premier Doug Ford defended it as a way to focus on getting work done outside the legislature.
- Some Toronto residents criticized the move, noting MPPs sat for only 29 days this year and arguing that legislative debate is essential for representing the public and developing policy.
- Other residents were more supportive or undecided but said they want a clear action plan outlining what the government will accomplish during the five-month break, particularly on issues like job creation and economic development.
Ontario politicians are officially off until late October, and not everyone in Toronto is impressed.
After the Ford government confirmed MPPs won’t return to Queen’s Park for another 21 weeks, some residents are questioning why elected officials are taking such a lengthy break, while others say they’re willing to give the government a chance, provided it can show results.
Why is Queen’s Park closed until October?
On Tuesday, Government House Leader Steven Clark confirmed that MPPs will not return to Queen’s Park until Oct. 27. Clark added concerns that an earlier return to assembly could interfere with municipal elections across the province scheduled for Oct. 26. The break began Tuesday, June 2, and comes after a 14-week winter recess.
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The move garnered criticism from both politicians and Torontonians, with the Interim Liberal leader John Fraser saying the decision was an example of poor leadership, and Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles adding that Ford was focused on wasting tax dollars.
When speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Ford defended the decision, saying his schedule was packed, and the break would help provincial staff have more time for other duties.
Additionally, he said committees continue to sit, and the government can pass measures through ministerial orders, as opposed to the elected officials with the provincial legislature, who debate regulations, hold the provincial government accountable, and approve government spending.
Toronto reacts to Ford government’s upcoming summer break
Some Torontonians in the Liberty Village area gave mixed reactions to the 5-month break.
“From what I understand, they only sat for 29 days, less than a month, and now they’re not coming back until October… it’s insane,” Nat, a Toronto resident, told Now Toronto.
He added Ford’s criticism of getting work done during the 5-month break, rather than sitting and “arguing,” was not how to go about legislation.
“He said the reason why is because he [wanted to] stop arguing with the NDP and the Liberals, but at the same time, that’s kind of what it’s about, right?” Nat said. “They’re representing us or representing the public, and we need those arguments because that’s how ideas happen.”
On the other hand, Tim, another resident, thought that while 5 months seemed long, he supported Ford.
“It seems a little extreme to me, but on the other hand, I think the federal government is working, but they’re accomplishing nothing. So, in my mind, Ford is on a better track than the federal government, work or no work,” he said.
Multiple residents also added they would like to see an action plan for what would be getting done during the break.
“I would say it’s a risky try,” Sonic, a Toronto resident said in terms of not having a written plan. “I don’t think it’s quite normal for a person that is responsible for different affairs to take such a long break.”
Another resident named Courtney agreed with Sonic, and said an action plan was important.
“I know a lot of folks that are looking for work that have been doing hundreds of applications in some cases, and might get one or two calls back, so there’s no real actionable plan that I can see,” she said in regards to Ford using the break to find unemployed residents’ jobs.
She added Ford’s trips to U.S. states during the break will also be unwelcome.
“When did he become the Premier of South Carolina? That’s a little weird,” another resident named Courtney asked. “They should be here doing the work, so that’s disappointing.”
