Ontario Government

The Executive Council

  • Commonly called the Cabinet
  • Made up of the Premier and 27 Cabinet ministers
  • Develops policies and sets priorities
  • Introduces legislation for MPPs to consider

<a href="http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/team/default.asp?Lang=EN"><b><u>Cabinet Members</u></b></a>

The Legislative Assembly

  • Made up of all 107 elected MPPs
  • Debates and makes laws
  • Also called the legislature or the house

Every four years, Ontario citizens aged 18 and older go to the polls to elect new Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs).

MPPs represent people from their area, which is known as an electoral district, riding or constituency. Right now, Ontario has 103 ridings.

Which riding is mine?

MPPs bring the concerns of the people in their communities to the legislature. In the legislature, they vote on laws and decide how government should work.

Most of them belong to a political party. The party with the largest number of MPPs elected forms the government and their leader becomes the Premier.

Who's my local MPP?

The Judiciary

  • Made up of the courts, judges and chief justices
  • Interprets and enforces laws; decides on civil and criminal disputes in court
  • Protects citizens' rights

The judiciary is made up of courts, judges and chief justices. They interpret and enforce laws, decide on civil and criminal disputes in courts, and protect citizens' rights. Justice services in Ontario are administered through 3 courts:

1. Ontario Court of Justice

Made up of provincially appointed judges and justices of the peace. Usually hear matters relating to:

  • Family Law - custody, access and support (not during divorce), enforcement of child support, child protection and adoption
  • Criminal Law – cases that do not involve juries, and special criminal courts, such as the Mental Health Court, Gladue Court and Drug Treatment Court
  • Bail Court – bail applications and hearings
  • Youth Court – for youth who are charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
  • Provincial offences such as trespassing, liquor licensing, traffic offences, dog owners' liability, parking and noise by-laws and environmental protection

2. Superior Court of Justice

Made up of federally appointed judges. Has jurisdiction over:

  • Criminal Law – serious criminal offences usually heard by a judge and jury
  • Family Law – property issues, support and custody and access matters during divorce
  • Appeals - civil appeals of less than $25,000
  • Small Claims Court – civil disputes involving claims of $10,000 or less
  • Divisional Courts – appeals of interim orders, judicial reviews of decisions made by administrative tribunals such as school boards, police commissions and municipal boards

3. Court of Appeal for Ontario

Made up of federally appointed judges. Hears appeals from the Superior Court of Justice.