House Schedule

The parliamentary calendar is a useful resource to find out when the Legislative Assembly is expected to be sitting. The first session of a new parliament begins with the election of a Speaker, followed by the Speech from the Throne (Throne Speech). The number and timing of daily sittings of the Legislative Assembly are set by Standing Orders.

Parliamentary Calendar

The parliamentary calendar outlines when the Legislative Assembly can be expected to “sit” (or meet) during a year. Sittings typically take place in the spring and the fall, with the House usually meeting Monday to Thursday. Detailed time schedules are described in Standing Orders 2 and 3. The parliamentary calendar also schedules non-sitting “constituency” weeks so that Members may return home to work in their ridings.

The Legislative Assembly may be recalled during a planned period of adjournment to deal with urgent legislation or other matters of public business.

Parliamentary committees meet outside of House sitting hours and days.

Prorogation and Dissolution

Prorogation ends a session, unlike a recess (a temporary break from proceedings) or adjournment (which suspends a debate or a sitting during a session).

Dissolution of a parliament results in a provincial general election. Pursuant to the provincial Constitution Act, a provincial general election is held on a set date every four years. The Lieutenant Governor, on the advice of the Premier, may also dissolve the Legislative Assembly prior to a set election date.

Election of Speaker

The election of the Speaker, conducted by secret ballot, is the first item of business at the opening of a new Parliament. All Members participate in the selection of the Member to preside over Assembly business. Cabinet Ministers are ineligible to seek election to the position of Speaker.

The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly presides over the election of the Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 11, any Member who does not wish to be considered for the position must advise the Clerk in writing. If there is only one nomination, that Member is acclaimed Speaker.

Opening Day and Throne Speech

Each new session of a Parliament is formally opened with the delivery of the Throne Speech that outlines the government’s plans for the coming year. Written by the government of the day, the Throne Speech is read by the Lieutenant Governor in the Chamber, where Members are assembled.

Throne Speech Debate

Members have up to six sitting days to debate the Throne Speech. This debate is called “Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne”, and often provides an opportunity for a new Member to make an inaugural speech. Upon the conclusion of this debate, Members vote on a motion to support or oppose the Throne Speech.