Toronto hosts the legislative assembly for the Canadian province of Ontario, or the Ontario Provicial Parliament. To catch the show in action, I made my way to the Ontario Legislative Building in Queen’s Park. Inside, lucky me, a tourist tour was just starting and so I got to hear a lot about the history of the building (leased from King’s College for 1CAD$, they’ll have you know) as well as sit down in the back to watch the parliament in session.
But there’s actually more to the building than the legislation body. It also houses the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, a representative of her majesty, the Queen of England. What business the UK still has in Canada, ceremonies aside, I’ve yet to get a clear answer on, but it seems the man has some official duties regarding museums and hospitals. Looking at his official website it looks to me like he doesn’t really do much. I’m a bit jealous, though, as I’d be happy to do nothing like that in a fancy house like this. If any of you are close to her majesty, please put in a word for me.
It’s as beautiful outside…
As it is on the inside…
The tour guide will tell you wondrous tales of why and who and when and where for each of those rooms, with detailed local history. A real treat, indeed, if you’re into that sort of thing.
I wish they allowed taking photos or videos of the session. They don’t. But if there’s one reason for you to go visit, that would be it. Growing up where I did I found it very odd that the Canadians were so polite and organized. How can a parliament truly function without the usual aggressive politics and heated empty rhetoric of people bluntly interrupting one another to try and shout their way to yet another meaningless headline no one cares about. It almost seemed as if the Canadian parliament actually gets things done? there is hope for mankind still.