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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

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
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Queen's Park: Past and Present

4/4/2024
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!

Duration:00:14:07

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Taking a Page Out of History: The Story of Hansard

2/8/2024
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!

Duration:00:15:21

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Lest We Forget

11/9/2023
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.

Duration:00:12:35

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The Ghosts of Queen’s Park

10/5/2023
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!

Duration:00:14:24

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A Typical Day in the House

9/15/2023
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!

Duration:00:16:55

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Queen’s Park Curiosities

8/3/2023
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!

Duration:00:16:01

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From East Block to Whitney Block

7/6/2023
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!

Duration:00:14:51

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All about the Page Program with Dan Chikane

6/21/2023
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!

Duration:00:24:36

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Symbols of Ontario

5/3/2023
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.

Duration:00:14:17

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130 Years of Ontario’s Parliament

4/5/2023
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!

Duration:00:11:10

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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