ON Parliament

On September 1, 1909, a devastating fire destroyed the West Wing of the Legislative Building. In this episode, Communications Officer David Bogart explains:

What exactly happened at Queen’s Park on September 1, 1909

The response from people in the building and emergency services

The estimated financial impact at the time

How the rebuild changed the Legislative Building

Join Amanda Cupido and David Bogart as they revisit a monumental event in our provincial legislature's history.

Links:

Historical photos: https://www.ola.org/en/fire-1909  

Book a building tour: https://www.ola.org/en/experience-legislature/building-tours

In this episode, we hear from Communications Officer David Bogart as he recounts stories of the ghosts said to reside at Queen's Park.

David takes listeners to five locations throughout Queen's Park and shares tales about:

The spirits connected to the former University Asylum

The ghost of former Speaker Richard Scott

Mysterious events in the Legislative Chamber

Other paranormal activity in one of Toronto’s oldest buildings

Join Amanda Cupido for a spooky conversation exploring the history of Queen's Park and the ghostly figures who, some say, remain dedicated to public service long after death.

In this episode, we hear from Meghan Stenson, Clerk of Procedural Services and a Table Officer, as she breaks down the differences between Parliament and Government and why understanding the distinction matters.

Meghan shares details about: 

Why the terms Parliament and Government are often confused

Who holds the power to make laws

Her nearly 18-year career at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Join Amanda Cupido for an enlightening conversation on the roles of Parliament and Government and how they shape Ontario’s parliamentary democracy.

Step into a day in the life of a Legislative Page with Manuthi, Henry, and Franco. In this episode, we hear directly from two real-life Pages, Manuthi and Henry, about their experience at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and learn about the history of the program with Page Coordinator, Franco Gutiérrez.

Our guests share details about:

What drew them to apply to be a Legislative Page

The various responsibilities and duties of the role

How the program has evolved over its storied history

The most memorable moments and fun facts

Join Amanda Cupido for an insightful conversation that will give you a behind-the-scenes look into this important and exciting role.

How does a bill become a law in Ontario? Amanda Cupido breaks down the journey with Valerie Quioc Lim, Deputy Clerk and Executive Director of Legislative Services, starting from introduction through to Royal Assent. Discover how Ontarians can participate in our legislative process and hear Valerie's personal experience of what it's like to have a front row seat to democracy in action.