What Is 32nd Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Overview

The 32nd Legislative Assembly of Ontario was a pivotal session in the province’s political history, spanning from 1981 to 1985. It followed the May 1981 provincial election, which returned the Progressive Conservative Party to power under Premier William Davis, though with a reduced majority.

This legislative term witnessed significant policy developments and leadership changes that shaped Ontario’s political landscape. The assembly operated during a period of economic challenges, including inflation and energy debates, which influenced government priorities.

• Term start date: The 32nd Assembly officially convened on June 8, 1981, following the general election held on May 19, 1981.
• Seat count: The Progressive Conservatives won 70 out of 125 seats, securing a majority but losing 10 seats compared to the previous assembly.
• Official Opposition: The Ontario Liberal Party, led by David Peterson, held 34 seats, becoming the largest opposition party for the first time in decades.
• New Democratic Party: The NDP, under Stephen Lewis, won 21 seats, maintaining its role as the third party in the legislature.
• Key legislation: The government passed the Energy Corporation Act in 1981, establishing Ontario Hydro’s restructuring and expanding nuclear energy infrastructure.

How It Works

The functioning of the 32nd Legislative Assembly followed standard parliamentary procedures, with the Lieutenant Governor representing the Crown and the Speaker presiding over debates.

• Term: The assembly served from June 8, 1981, to April 21, 1985, lasting nearly four years before dissolution. This duration is typical for Ontario’s fixed election cycle, though not legally mandated at the time.
• Legislative sessions: The assembly held five formal sessions across its term, with prorogation occurring between key policy announcements and budget cycles.
• Bill passage: Over 150 bills were introduced, with approximately 60% becoming law, including major reforms in energy and transportation.
• Committee work: Standing committees reviewed legislation in detail, with the Standing Committee on General Government playing a key role in electoral reform discussions.
• Debates: Question Period remained a central feature, with frequent confrontations between Premier Davis and Liberal leader David Peterson on tax and spending policies.
• Leadership change: William Davis announced his retirement in January 1985, leading to a leadership convention that ultimately selected Frank Miller in February 1985.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 32nd Assembly to adjacent sessions highlights shifts in party strength and governance dynamics:

The table illustrates the Progressive Conservatives’ declining dominance and the Liberals’ gradual rise under David Peterson. By 1985, the PC government lost its majority, leading to a Liberal-NDP accord and the end of 42 years of PC rule. This transition was set in motion during the final months of the 32nd Assembly.

Why It Matters

The 32nd Legislative Assembly marked the beginning of a major political realignment in Ontario, setting the stage for the end of long-standing Conservative governance.

• Leadership transition: William Davis’s retirement after 14 years as Premier created a leadership vacuum that weakened PC momentum heading into the 1985 election.
• Liberal resurgence: David Peterson’s modernization of the Liberal Party helped it gain credibility and increase voter support from 27% to 39% by 1985.
• Energy policy: The expansion of nuclear power, particularly through the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, had long-term economic and environmental impacts.
• Electoral reform: Debates during this term laid groundwork for future changes, including the eventual adoption of fixed election dates in 2005.
• Minority government precedent: The 1985 post-election agreement between Liberals and NDP was influenced by dynamics established during this assembly’s final session.
• Public trust: Scandals involving patronage appointments in the final year eroded public confidence, contributing to the PC defeat in 1985.

The 32nd Legislative Assembly was a turning point, demonstrating how shifting voter sentiment and leadership changes could reshape Ontario’s political future within a single parliamentary term.