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.