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ON Parliament

Education Podcasts

Welcome to the ON Parliament Podcast where we spread the word on Parliament! Every month, we will be releasing a new episode where we will discuss the inner workings of parliament, explore its history, the amazing building, interview special guests and much more! Hosted by the Parliamentary Protocol and Public Relations Branch for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. ON Parliament aims to demystify the function, importance, and history of Ontario’s Legislature. For more information about Ontario‘s Parliament, visit our website: https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn

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Location:

Canada

Description:

Welcome to the ON Parliament Podcast where we spread the word on Parliament! Every month, we will be releasing a new episode where we will discuss the inner workings of parliament, explore its history, the amazing building, interview special guests and much more! Hosted by the Parliamentary Protocol and Public Relations Branch for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. ON Parliament aims to demystify the function, importance, and history of Ontario’s Legislature. For more information about Ontario‘s Parliament, visit our website: https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn

Language:

English

Episodes

All about Heraldry

2/2/2023
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!

Duration:00:11:06

A Library for Ontario: The History of the Legislative Library

1/9/2023
This month's episode has been a long time in the making! Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of Ontario's Legislative Library - from its humble beginnings to the vital role it plays in today's parliament, the Legislative Library has come a long way over the past 200 years. And of course, the episode wouldn't be complete without some new fun facts along the way!

Duration:00:11:58

Remembering Great Acts of Valour

11/28/2022
This month we have a very special episode of the podcast in honour of Remembrance Day. Every year, Canadians mark Remembrance Day on November 11th as a way to recognize the sacrifices made by so many who fought to keep our country free and to honour the many who continue to serve to protect us. This episode is in honour of this important day and of its significance at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Duration:00:11:35

A Deep Dive into Committees

8/4/2022
ON Parliament has a very special episode this month! We had the opportunity to interview Valerie Quioc Lim and Chris Tyrell, two of the Clerks at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. We discussed what a Committee is, its purpose and function, and the role that the public can have in this important stage within the Legislative Process. One of our guests even had their own fun fact moment too. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

Duration:00:36:24

Her Majesty at Queen’s Park

6/29/2022
In honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, this month we delve into some of Her Majesty's previous visits to the Legislative Assembly over the years. We also take a look back at the historical impact of other Royals at Ontario's Parliament. And as always, there are sure to be lots of fun facts in this month's episode too!

Duration:00:16:21

Hiding in Plain Sight

5/25/2022
This month we delve into some of the hidden treasures within the Legislative Building in honour of its 129th anniversary. Learn more about the Chamber ceiling restoration projects, the fascinating history of the fifth floor, and discover the real story behind the glass panel in the floor outside of the Chamber. As always, our hosts were able to fit in lots of fun facts along the way. This is one episode not to be missed!

Duration:00:17:19

All about Elections in Ontario

3/30/2022
This month, we delve into the election process in Ontario. What is a notice of enumeration? How many writs of election are there? How does the campaign period work? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we explore the history and process of the election system in Ontario. And of course there are always lots of fun facts along the way.

Duration:00:14:09

A Celebration in Honour of Black History Month

2/24/2022
This month, ON Parliament presents a special episode in honour of Black History Month. We explore some of the important trailblazers who have walked the halls of Queen's Park. Discover the stories of Leonard Braithwaite, Zanana Akande, Alvin Curling, and Lincoln Alexander - four inspirational figures who helped pave the way for countless others. And of course, there may be some fun facts along the way too. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

Duration:00:18:48

Parliamentary Traditions

2/2/2022
We're back with more history and of course, lots of fun facts! In this episode, we meet a new host, delve into some of the fascinating traditions in Ontario's Parliament, and play a few games along the way. Learn all about the Speakers' portraits, the history of the Chamber, and our hosts' favourite traditions too. There's always more to learn about Parliament and never a dull moment on our podcast!

Duration:00:19:15

Bonus Episode: Everything You Need to Know about the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Legislative Assembly

11/24/2021
Bonus Episode! We wanted to take a closer look at the long history of the role of the Sergeant-at-Arms so we did a little more digging about such an important parliamentary position. Learn all about the history, traditions and importance of the Sergeant-at-Arms. And of course there are lots of fun facts long the way too!

Duration:00:12:27

Bonus Episode: Everything You Need to Know about the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

11/24/2021
Bonus Episode! We received a lot of questions about the role of the Clerk so we decided to get some answers. Learn all about the history, traditions and importance of Parliament's Procedural Expert. And of course there are lots of fun facts long the way too!

Duration:00:10:31

Keeping Parliament Running

10/27/2021
This month we got to explore the fascinating roles of Parliament's procedural expert, the Clerk, and our head of security, the Sergeant-at-Arms. We learned all about their roles inside the Chamber as well as their little-known but incredibly important roles outside of the Chamber too. We also made sure to include lots of fun facts along the way - this is one episode you don't want to miss!

Duration:00:13:41

An Interview with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Honourable Ted Arnott

8/26/2021
ON Parliament has a very special episode this month! We had the opportunity to interview the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Honourable Ted Arnott. We talked about the many things that make up the role of Speaker, fun hats, lots of traditions and learned about some of the Speaker's memorable moments in the chair. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

Duration:00:29:40

An Interview with Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

7/29/2021
This month ON Parliament presents a special episode - we had the opportunity to interview the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell. We learned all about what it means to be the Queen's Representative in Ontario and got to chat about her most memorable moments and favourite parts of her role. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss! *Editor's Note: Her Honour references a trip she took with the Countess of Sussex. However, Her Honour later confirmed...

Duration:00:25:09

The Legislative Process

6/28/2021
This month’s episode is part two of our mini-series on how a bill becomes a law. Continuing on our journey, we explore the legislative process in more detail. We’ll take you through all of the steps and stages. But don’t worry – there are sure to be lots of fun facts that pop up along the way too!

Duration:00:13:10

Different Types of Bills

5/26/2021
Have you ever wondered what happens before a law is passed? Laws have a big impact on our day-to-day lives, and we wanted to shed some light on how they come to be. This month we kick off a two-part mini-series on how laws are made. Part One explores the different types of bills that you’ll find in Ontario’s Parliament. Did we still manage to find some fun facts about bills? – You bet we did!

Duration:00:15:09

A House for Ontario: the Architectural History of the Legislative Building

4/21/2021
Happy Birthday to the Legislative Building! This month we delve into the history of Ontario's Parliament Building and take a closer look at the architectural features, changes, and additions that have taken place over the years. We also set a new fun fact record and even managed to squeeze in some great architectural puns! This is one birthday celebration you don't want to miss!

Duration:00:23:53

Changing the Landscape: Women of Queen’s Park

3/29/2021
This month ON Parliament presents a special episode in honour of International Women's Day. We had the opportunity to interview three former MPPs about their time at Queen's Park and learned all about what it means to be a woman in politics. Special thanks to Sharon Murdoch, Janet Ecker and Mary Anne Chambers for sharing their compelling stories with us. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

Duration:00:40:33

What's the Difference between Parliament and Government?

2/25/2021
This month's episode explores the difference between two often confused terms: Parliament and Government. We delve a little deeper into why they're important, how they're different and what each one truly means. We're hoping this episode will help expand everyone's parliamentary vocabulary but have no fear, there will be lots of fun facts along the way (and some pretty sweet parliamentary puns too).

Duration:00:13:25

Introducing ON Parliament!

1/20/2021
Introducing the ON Parliament Podcast from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Duration:00:00:41

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