What Is 20th Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 20th Legislative Assembly of Ontario was in session from 1934 to 1937, following the 1934 provincial election where the Liberal Party, led by Mitchell Hepburn, won a majority with 66 of 90 seats.

Key Facts

The 20th Legislative Assembly operated from 1934 to 1937
Mitchell Hepburn served as Premier during this term
The Liberal Party held 66 out of 90 seats
It was the first majority government for the Liberals since 1919
The Assembly met at the Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto

Overview

The 20th Legislative Assembly of Ontario convened after the provincial general election held on June 19, 1934. It marked a significant political shift, ending Conservative dominance and ushering in a new era under the Liberal Party led by Mitchell Hepburn.

This Assembly functioned during a turbulent period shaped by the Great Depression, labor unrest, and early debates over provincial autonomy. Its proceedings influenced key policies related to economic recovery, labor rights, and intergovernmental relations with the federal government.

First sitting date: The Assembly first convened on September 11, 1934, at Queen’s Park in Toronto, beginning a term that lasted nearly three years.
Number of MPPs: The legislature consisted of 90 Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), representing electoral districts across Ontario.
Election outcome: The Liberal Party won 66 seats, securing a strong majority, while Conservatives dropped to 19 seats and CCF won 3.
Majority status: This was the first Liberal majority government since 1919, ending 14 years of Conservative rule under Howard Ferguson and George S. Henry.
Key legislation: The Assembly passed labor reforms, including amendments to the Workmen’s Compensation Act, expanding benefits for injured workers.

How It Works

The functioning of the 20th Legislative Assembly followed standard parliamentary procedures but was marked by assertive leadership from Premier Hepburn. His administration used its majority to push through controversial measures, particularly in labor and energy policy.

Term: The Assembly served from September 1934 to May 1937. It was dissolved ahead of the 1937 provincial election, which the Liberals won again.
Session frequency: The Assembly held three annual sessions, typical for the era, with legislative work concentrated in fall and spring.
Speaker of the House:William Wilfred Ross was elected Speaker, overseeing debates and maintaining order during heated discussions.
Opposition dynamics: The Conservative Party, led by George S. Henry, formed the official opposition but struggled to counter Hepburn’s popularity.
Legislative agenda: Key bills included the Hydro-Electric Power Commission expansion, reinforcing provincial control over energy resources.
Political style: Hepburn employed a combative, populist tone, often clashing with Ottawa, especially during disputes over federal relief funding during the Depression.

Comparison at a Glance

The 20th Assembly can be better understood by comparing it with adjacent legislative sessions in terms of composition, leadership, and major issues.

Assembly	Years Active	Majority Party	Seats Held	Key Issues
18th	1926–1929	Conservative	60 of 108	Infrastructure, prohibition repeal
19th	1929–1934	Conservative	54 of 90	Great Depression response
20th	1934–1937	Liberal	66 of 90	Labor rights, hydro policy
21st	1937–1943	Liberal	63 of 90	World War II preparations
22nd	1943–1945	Progressive Conservative	38 of 90 (minority)	Post-war planning

This comparison highlights how the 20th Assembly was a turning point: it restored Liberal influence after years of Conservative rule and set the stage for long-term control of Ontario Hydro. Its focus on provincial autonomy and labor reform distinguished it from earlier, more infrastructure-focused legislatures.

Why It Matters

The 20th Legislative Assembly had lasting impacts on Ontario’s political culture and policy direction. Its assertive stance on provincial rights and labor issues shaped future governance models and intergovernmental dynamics.

Provincial autonomy: Hepburn’s confrontations with Ottawa over relief funding reinforced the idea of provincial fiscal independence.
Labor legacy: The Assembly passed laws strengthening union rights, laying groundwork for modern labor protections in Ontario.
Energy policy: Expansion of the Hydro Commission ensured public control of electricity, a model still in place today.
Political precedent: The term demonstrated the power of populist leadership in shaping legislative outcomes.
Electoral impact: The 1934 victory revitalized the Liberal Party, leading to four consecutive terms under Hepburn.
Historical significance: It marked the beginning of a shift toward more interventionist government during economic crises.

Ultimately, the 20th Legislative Assembly was more than a transitional government—it redefined Ontario’s approach to economic policy, labor, and federalism during a critical decade.