What Is 31st Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Overview

The 31st Legislative Assembly of Ontario was a pivotal session in the province’s political history, lasting from June 2, 1987, to September 5, 1990. It followed the May 2, 1987, provincial election, which resulted in a sweeping victory for the Ontario Liberal Party under Premier David Peterson.

This Assembly marked the first time since 1937 that the Liberals held a majority government in Ontario. The session saw significant legislative activity, including reforms in education, healthcare, and environmental policy. The Assembly operated at Queen’s Park in Toronto, where Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) debated and passed laws.

• 95 seats were won by the Ontario Liberal Party, giving them a strong majority in the 130-seat legislature.
• The Progressive Conservative Party, led by Larry Grossman, won 16 seats, a significant decline from previous assemblies.
• The New Democratic Party (NDP), under Bob Rae, secured 19 seats and became the Official Opposition.
• The Assembly was dissolved on September 5, 1990, ahead of the next provincial election.
• Key legislation included the Environmental Protection Act amendments and the expansion of French-language services.

How It Works

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario operates as the elected legislative body responsible for creating, amending, and repealing provincial laws. Each Assembly is numbered sequentially and begins after a general election.

• Term: The 31st Assembly lasted three years and three months, from June 2, 1987, to September 5, 1990. This duration is typical for Ontario, where elections usually occur every four years unless called earlier.
• Election Date: The May 2, 1987, election determined the composition of the 31st Assembly, with results certified within days.
• Swearing-In: All 130 MPPs were sworn in by June 2, 1987, marking the official start of the session.
• Session Length: The Assembly held four sessions over its term, with prorogation occurring between each.
• Legislative Output: Over 120 bills were introduced, with approximately 65% becoming law.
• Committee Work: Standing committees reviewed legislation on justice, health, and finance, with public consultations held in multiple cities.
• Dissolution: The Assembly was dissolved by the Lieutenant Governor on September 5, 1990, triggering the 1990 election.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 31st Assembly to adjacent sessions highlights shifts in party dominance and legislative focus.

The 31st Assembly stands out for the Liberal Party’s unprecedented majority, which contrasted sharply with the minority and coalition governments of the previous decade. This shift enabled swift passage of key legislation but also increased scrutiny of government accountability.

Why It Matters

The 31st Legislative Assembly had lasting impacts on Ontario’s governance and policy landscape. Its majority government structure allowed for rapid legislative action, but also highlighted the risks of reduced opposition oversight.

• The French Language Services Act of 1986 was implemented during this term, ensuring access to government services in French.
• Environmental reforms included the creation of Ontario’s first acid rain reduction program.
• Healthcare saw the expansion of community health centers in 22 underserved regions.
• Education reforms introduced full-day kindergarten planning, though not implemented until later.
• The Assembly passed anti-discrimination amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• It set a precedent for minority representation, with five women elected as MPPs—a record at the time.

The 31st Assembly remains a benchmark for legislative productivity and political realignment in Ontario, illustrating how electoral mandates shape public policy.