ON Parliament

All about Heraldry

We take a deep dive into the Legislative Assembly's coat of arms this month when we learn all about heraldic symbols. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of heraldry and its importance throughout the ages. Not only that, but we also explore the symbolism of all of the elements within Ontario's parliamentary coat of arms too. Don't worry, there are still lots of fun facts in this episode - don't miss out!

130 Years of Ontario’s Parliament

On April 4th, 1893, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario opened its doors for the first time. In honour of the Building's 130th Anniversary, this month, we delve into some of its original and avant-garde features. From electric lights to fire doors, painted ceilings to inventive photo techniques, the innovation found throughout the halls of Ontario's Legislature is undeniable. What better way to celebrate the lasting legacy of the Parliament than with some special fun facts too!

Symbols of Ontario

Have you ever wondered about the official tree of Ontario? How about the bird or mineral that represents the province? This month, we delve into all of Ontario's symbols - from the white trillium to the tartan, and everything in between. Our hosts even set a new fun fact record! This episode is not one to be missed.

All about the Page Program with Dan Chikane

This month we had the opportunity to interview Dan Chikane, a former Legislative Page and one of the first Indigenous Pages to serve in Ontario's Legislature. Coming to Toronto for the first time at age 12 and working in the Legislative Chamber are only a few of the fascinating stories he has to tell. We also did a deep dive into the history of the Page Program from the first reference of a Page appearing in records all the way up to today. Extra special thanks to Dan Chikane for sharing his compelling stories with us. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

From East Block to Whitney Block

This month we explore another area of the Legislative Precinct that often gets overlooked by the public: the Whitney Block. Learn more about the architect and its design, the vast amount of Ontario materials that went into its construction, and discover the fascinating story behind the building's name. As always, our hosts were able to fit in lots of fun facts along the way. This is one episode not to be missed!

Queen’s Park Curiosities

Discover some of the curiosities around Queen's Park. Have you ever heard of the "Staircase to Nowhere"? What about the "Mystery Room"? This month our hosts take you through all of the bizarre and interesting features that make up the outside of the Legislative Building. From time capsules to pelicans to ghost clocks - this is one episode you don't want to miss!

A Typical Day in the House

In honour of the International Day of Democracy on September 15, our hosts take you through what happens each day in Ontario's Parliament. Discover what Orders of the day means before delving into the Afternoon Routine, and Question Period. Learn all about the seat of democracy in the province of Ontario with lots of fun facts along the way!

The Ghosts of Queen’s Park

Special episode in honour of Halloween! This month, our hosts take you on a journey with some of the popular ghost stories that have been heard over the years. Learn about the woman in white, a former Sergeant-at-Arms, and more! This episode is sure to be eerie-sistible! Listen now!

Lest We Forget

This month we have a very special episode of the podcast in honour of Remembrance Day. On this very important day, Canadians honour those who have served and continue to serve the country during times of war, conflict, and peace. In recognition of November 11th, our hosts take the time to remember some of the elected officials who served not just in Ontario’s Parliament, but who also served during the First and Second World Wars.

Taking a Page Out of History: The Story of Hansard

Have you ever heard the term "Hansard" and wondered where it came from? Or maybe you've wondered about the people taking notes during a parliamentary session? This month we delve into the origins of where the term "Hansard" comes from and what it is that they do in our Parliament. And as always, our hosts manage to fit in lots of fun facts along the way. Listen now!

Queen's Park: Past and Present

It's not every day that you turn 131 years old! To honour the Legislative Building's anniversary, this year we take a look back at what it was like on opening day in comparison to today. Learn about some of the key figures from back then along with what's changed and what's stayed the same. Don't miss out on this fun fact filled episode!

The Office of the Assembly Turns 50

This month, the ON Parliament Podcast delves into the history of the Office of the Assembly. What is it and how did it come to be? What divisions and branches make up the Office? Learn all about the last 50 years of progress and traditions that have gone into making the Office of the Assembly the vibrant organization that it is today. Don't miss out of this fun fact-filled anniversary episode!

The Grounds of Queen's Park

Come take a "stroll" through the grounds of Queen's Park as we explore the fascinating history of the lands, learn more about the different uses of the space over time, and discover the current plants and trees. Our hosts manage to squeeze in lots of fun facts along the way. This is one episode you don't want to miss!

Olympic Connections at Queen's Park

In honour of the Summer Olympic Games that are about to take place in Paris, our hosts thought it would be fun to explore the connections that Queen's Park has to the Olympics. Learn about the Olympic Flame making a stop at the building, discover current and past Members who were also Olympians, and of course our hosts go for the gold with their fun fact count trying to break their previous record! Don't miss out on this podium worthy episode.

An Interview with the Sergeant-at-Arms, Tim McGough

This month we had the privilege of sitting down with the Sergeant-at-Arms of Ontario's Legislature, Tim McGough. Our hosts discuss his backstory, learn about some upcoming projects, and discover the story behind how Tim wound up becoming the Sergeant-at-Arms in Ontario when he is originally from England. A special thank you to Tim McGough for taking the time to share his stories with us for the podcast. Don't miss out on this riveting interview!

Youth Opportunities at Ontario's Parliament

Just in time for Democracy Day on September 15! Learn all about some of the many programs and opportunities that are available to youth at Queen's Park. Discover the Page Program, Model Parliament, and the Student Usher Program first-hand in this special group interview episode. Hear what it's like to be in the program, learn all about the application process, and discover some memorable moments from past participants in these wonderful programs. Listen now!

In Honour of Women's History Month

This month, our hosts recognize three trailblazing women in honour of Women's History Month. Margaret Haile, Rae Luckock, and Agnes Macphail inspired countless other women to follow in their footsteps and had a direct hand in increasing female participation at Ontario's Parliament. Learn about their lives, the causes that were important to them, and their accomplishments. This is one episode you don't want to miss!