What Is 35th Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Overview

The 35th Legislative Assembly of Ontario was a pivotal moment in the province’s political history, serving from November 19, 1990, to June 7, 1995. It followed the unexpected victory of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) in the September 6, 1990, provincial election, ending decades of Progressive Conservative and Liberal dominance.

This Assembly marked a significant shift in policy direction, introducing progressive labor reforms and social spending initiatives. Despite initial popularity, the government faced economic challenges and internal dissent, particularly over austerity measures introduced during its second half.

• Bob Rae became Premier after leading the NDP to an outright majority, winning 74 of 130 seats—a historic first for the party.
• The Assembly convened for the first time on November 19, 1990, marking the beginning of the NDP’s only term in government in Ontario.
• With a majority, the NDP had the legislative power to pass bills without opposition support, enabling swift policy changes.
• The government introduced universal child care pilot programs and strengthened workers’ rights, including amendments to the Employment Standards Act.
• It also passed the Pay Equity Act in 1993, aiming to close the gender wage gap in public and private sectors.

How It Works

The functioning of the 35th Legislative Assembly followed standard parliamentary procedures but was shaped by the unique political context of a left-leaning government in a traditionally centrist province.

• Term: The Assembly served from November 19, 1990, to June 7, 995, spanning nearly five years before dissolution for the next election. This full mandate allowed the government to implement long-term policies despite growing unpopularity.
• The NDP introduced the Social Contract in 1993, requiring public-sector workers to take unpaid 'Rae Days' to reduce deficit spending.
• This policy alienated traditional labor allies, including the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), weakening political support.
• The government passed Bill 48, mandating unionized workers to contribute to deficit reduction through wage freezes or unpaid days.
• Despite progressive goals, the economy struggled with a recession in the early 1990s, limiting fiscal flexibility and increasing public dissatisfaction.
• The Assembly saw 130 Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), with the NDP holding 74 seats, the Liberals 36, and the Progressive Conservatives 20 after the 1990 election.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 35th Assembly to previous and subsequent legislatures highlights its unique policy direction and electoral significance.

*Reduced number of seats due to electoral boundary changes in 1999. The 35th Assembly stands out for its progressive agenda and the political realignment it represented. While later governments focused on fiscal conservatism or centrist policies, the NDP’s term was defined by bold social initiatives and controversial economic measures that reshaped labor relations.

Why It Matters

The 35th Legislative Assembly remains a landmark in Ontario’s political development, influencing policy debates for decades.

• The passage of the Pay Equity Act set a precedent for gender equity in provincial employment standards and inspired federal action.
• The Social Contract demonstrated the tension between fiscal responsibility and labor solidarity, affecting NDP-labor relations nationally.
• Its experience showed that even historically progressive parties may adopt austerity measures during economic downturns.
• The backlash from 'Rae Days' contributed to the NDP’s collapse in 1995, reducing them to third party status with only 17 seats.
• It highlighted the volatility of Ontario politics, where voter sentiment can shift dramatically between elections.
• The Assembly’s legacy continues to influence debates on public-sector wages, deficit management, and social reform.

Ultimately, the 35th Legislative Assembly serves as a case study in the challenges of governing during economic crisis while maintaining ideological integrity. Its policies, successes, and failures remain relevant in contemporary discussions about social democracy in Canada.