What Is 21st Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 21st Legislative Assembly of Ontario existed from April 21, 1943, to April 17, 1945, during World War II, with the Progressive Conservatives forming a minority government under George A. Drew.

Key Facts

The 21st Legislative Assembly convened on April 21, 1943, and dissolved on April 17, 1945.
It consisted of 90 elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs).
The Progressive Conservative Party, led by George A. Drew, formed a minority government.
The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) became the Official Opposition.
This assembly operated during a critical phase of World War II, influencing wartime policies.

Overview

The 21st Legislative Assembly of Ontario was a significant session of the provincial legislature that operated during a pivotal time in Canadian history—World War II. It convened on April 21, 1943, and was dissolved on April 17, 1945, marking a two-year legislative cycle shaped by wartime governance and social change.

Comprising 90 seats, this assembly saw the Progressive Conservative Party, led by George A. Drew, form a minority government after defeating the long-governing Liberals. The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) emerged as the Official Opposition, signaling a shift in Ontario’s political landscape amid growing support for social reform.

Election date: The general election that formed this assembly was held on August 4, 1943, a pivotal moment that ended 14 years of Liberal rule.
Government composition: The Progressive Conservatives won 38 seats, falling short of a majority but forming government with support from independent members.
Opposition strength: The CCF gained 34 seats, becoming the Official Opposition for the first time in Ontario’s history.
Liberal decline: The Ontario Liberal Party dropped to 15 seats, losing official party status and marking a historic low.
Wartime context: Legislation during this term focused on labor mobilization, resource allocation, and supporting Canadian troops overseas.

How It Works

The functioning of the 21st Legislative Assembly was defined by its minority status, requiring negotiation and compromise across party lines. Despite political instability, it passed key legislation affecting labor, taxation, and public safety during wartime.

Term: The assembly lasted from April 21, 1943, to April 17, 1945, a period of just under two years. This short duration was typical of minority governments facing political pressure.
Session frequency: It held three legislative sessions, meeting in 1943, 1944, and early 1945 to address urgent wartime measures.
Speaker of the Assembly: William Griesinger, a Progressive Conservative, served as Speaker, maintaining order amid heated debates.
Key legislation: Passed the War Appropriations Act to fund Ontario’s contributions to national defense and industrial production.
Committee work: Standing committees reviewed labor conditions, price controls, and civil defense planning with increased frequency.
Public engagement: MPPs held town halls across Ontario to explain rationing policies and war bond campaigns.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 21st Legislative Assembly to adjacent assemblies highlights shifts in party strength and policy focus during the war era.

Assembly	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Majority Status
20th	1937–1943	Liberal	63 of 90	Majority
21st	1943–1945	Progressive Conservative	38 of 90	Minority
22nd	1945–1948	Progressive Conservative	66 of 90	Majority
23rd	1948–1951	Progressive Conservative	73 of 90	Majority
24th	1951–1955	Progressive Conservative	77 of 90	Majority

This table shows a dramatic reversal in party dominance, beginning with the Liberal collapse in 1943 and the subsequent rise of the Progressive Conservatives, who would dominate Ontario politics for decades. The 21st Assembly’s minority status stands out as a transitional phase between eras of single-party rule.

Why It Matters

The 21st Legislative Assembly played a crucial role in shaping Ontario’s response to global conflict and domestic transformation. Its legacy includes setting the stage for postwar social policy and redefining minority government dynamics in Canadian politics.

Political realignment: The collapse of the Liberals and rise of the CCF signaled a shift toward progressive and conservative alternatives.
Minority governance model: It demonstrated that stable legislation could pass without a majority, influencing future minority parliaments.
Wartime policy precedent: Established frameworks for government intervention in the economy during national emergencies.
CCF influence: As Official Opposition, the CCF pushed for labor rights and social welfare, laying groundwork for future reforms.
Public accountability: Increased media coverage and public scrutiny during this term enhanced democratic transparency.
Postwar planning: Early discussions on reconstruction and veterans’ benefits began in this assembly, shaping future legislation.

Though short-lived, the 21st Legislative Assembly of Ontario was a turning point in provincial governance, reflecting broader societal changes and setting precedents that endured long after its dissolution.