What Is 34th Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 34th Legislative Assembly of Ontario refers to the provincial legislature that convened from November 1987 to September 1990 following the 1987 general election, during which the Ontario Liberal Party, led by David Peterson, won a majority government with 95 out of 130 seats.

Key Facts

The 34th Assembly began on November 3, 1987, after the provincial election held on September 10, 1987
The Ontario Liberal Party secured a historic majority with 95 of 130 seats
David Peterson served as Premier throughout the Assembly’s term
The New Democratic Party (NDP) held 19 seats, and the Progressive Conservatives held 16
This Assembly ended prematurely on July 31, 1990, ahead of the 1990 election

Overview

The 34th Legislative Assembly of Ontario was a pivotal session in the province’s political history, marking the peak of Liberal dominance under Premier David Peterson. It convened after a decisive victory in the 1987 provincial election, which saw the Liberals win the largest majority in Ontario’s history at the time.

This Assembly operated during a period of significant policy development, including environmental initiatives and public service reforms. Its tenure ended abruptly in 1990 when Peterson called a snap election, a decision that backfired as the Liberals lost to the NDP.

First sitting date: The Assembly officially convened on November 3, 1987, following the general election held on September 10, 1987.
Majority threshold: With 95 out of 130 seats, the Liberals achieved the largest single-seat majority in Ontario’s history up to that point.
Opposition composition: The New Democratic Party (NDP) held 19 seats, while the Progressive Conservative Party held 16 seats in the official opposition.
Legislative productivity: Over its three-year term, the Assembly passed over 200 bills, including landmark environmental and healthcare legislation.
End of term: The Assembly was dissolved on July 31, 1990, leading to the 1990 provincial election, which saw the NDP win a surprise majority.

How It Works

The functioning of the 34th Legislative Assembly followed standard parliamentary procedures, with the governing party setting the legislative agenda and the opposition providing scrutiny. Sessions were held in the Ontario Legislative Building at Queen’s Park in Toronto, with regular sittings and committee work.

Term: The Assembly served from November 3, 1987, to July 31, 1990. Its term was cut short when Premier Peterson called a snap election, ending a three-year mandate.
Legislative sessions: The Assembly held three annual sessions, with sittings in 1988, 989, and 1990 before dissolution.
Bill passage: The government introduced and passed Bill 26, the Environmental Protection Act amendments, strengthening pollution controls across industries.
Committee structure: There were eight standing committees, including ones for finance, health, and education, each reviewing proposed legislation.
Debates and votes: Key debates included the French-language services bill, which expanded access to government services in French across the province.
Public engagement: The Assembly saw increased public input through open committee hearings, particularly on healthcare reform proposals.

Comparison at a Glance

The 34th Assembly stands out when compared to adjacent legislative sessions in terms of seat distribution and policy impact.

Assembly	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Majority Type
33rd	1985–1987	Liberal (minority)	48 of 130	Minority (with NDP support)
34th	1987–1990	Liberal	95 of 130	Majority
35th	1990–1995	NDP	74 of 130	Majority
36th	1995–1999	Progressive Conservative	82 of 130	Majority
37th	1999–2003	Progressive Conservative	59 of 103	Majority

The table highlights how the 34th Assembly marked a dramatic shift from the minority government of the 33rd to a sweeping Liberal majority. This contrast underscores the volatility of Ontario politics in the late 1980s and early 1990s, culminating in the NDP’s unexpected 1990 victory.

Why It Matters

The 34th Legislative Assembly is significant not only for its legislative output but also for its role in shaping modern Ontario governance. Its collapse in 1990 demonstrated the risks of political overconfidence and reshaped the province’s party dynamics.

Policy legacy: The Assembly passed Bill 160, which restructured school boards and increased provincial control over education funding.
Environmental leadership: Ontario became the first Canadian province to adopt acid rain reduction targets under this Assembly’s environmental agenda.
Language rights: The French Language Services Act (1986) was implemented during this term, ensuring access to services in designated regions.
Political cautionary tale: Peterson’s decision to call a snap election is studied as a classic example of misjudging public sentiment.
NDP breakthrough: The subsequent 1990 election saw the NDP win 74 seats, a historic first for the party in Ontario.
Institutional reforms: The Assembly introduced open committee meetings, increasing transparency and public trust in legislative processes.

The 34th Legislative Assembly remains a key reference point in Ontario’s political evolution, illustrating how a dominant government can quickly lose power and how legislative achievements can endure beyond electoral cycles.