#FlasbackFriday - #Tulips in bloom have been a sign that Spring has finally arrived at the grounds of Ontario’s Legislature for many decades! Seen here, some vintage tulips on the grounds of Queen's Park, circa 1912

#TBT - Seen here, the Legislative Building from above! This photo was taken circa the 1930s and shows the entire building complex, surrounded by the beautiful lush grounds

The Building Services Division is the newest division to be formed having been created this year in 2024 and includes the Precinct Properties Branch and Parliamentary Food Services. #OA50Years

In 2023, the selection process for the Sergeant-at-Arms was changed to mirror that of choosing a new Clerk: a committee with all-party membership selects a candidate who is then appointed by an order in council. #OA50Years

A reorganization in the Legislative Services Division in 2012 saw the dissolution of the Journals and Procedural Research Branch and the Committees Branch becoming instead the Procedural Services Branch. #OA50Years

The flags are at half-mast from sunrise until sunset at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in recognition of the National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace

Hey, Ontario Grade 7 to 12 students, get your stories ready! Submit your best story to the Speaker’s Award for Youth Writers today! Short stories or personal essays must be between 500 and 2500 words. For more information and to apply: ow.ly/KUmS50NxxGc

In 2009, Legislative Information Systems was combined with the Legislative Library, Legislative Research, Information Services, and the Information Management Office to create the Information and Technology Services Division (now known as the iDivision). #OA50Years

Established in 1997 and first known as the Legislative Security Service, the office was created to separate on-site security officers from all other police and security services. It was renamed the Legislative Protective Service in 2018. #OA50Years

As part of the 200th anniversary commemorating Ontario’s Legislative Assembly, the Legislature adopted its own Coat of Arms in 1992 – the first provincial Legislature in Canada to do so. #OA50Years

Interpretation and Language Services reported to the Clerk’s office until the early 1990s. Hansard Reporting and Interpretation Services later fell under the Legislative Services Division and was renamed House Publications and Language Services in 2020. #OA50Years

Starting in 1990, the Speaker was formally elected by the Members of Provincial Parliament in a secret ballot. Prior to this time, the Speaker was nominated by the Premier. The Honourable David Warner was the first Speaker to be elected to Ontario’s Legislature. #OA50Years

Attention #writers ! Applications for the Speaker's Book Award are now being accepted. Submit your work of non-fiction to be considered for this year's award. More Information at: ow.ly/YTHA50NxFKf

Being a Legislative Page means being a part of Ontario’s parliamentary traditions. This hands-on learning experience is open to Gr. 7 & 8 students from across the province. Applications are being accepted until June 15. Learn more and apply today: ow.ly/a1GG50NJbBx

Following the Memorandum of Understanding in 1988, services within the Legislative Precinct were transferred to the Office of the Assembly. These services included building operations and maintenance. #OA50Years

In 1988, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Government Services and the Speaker to transfer control of the Legislative Precinct to the Office of the Assembly. Before that, the government owned the grounds where the building stands. #OA50Years

The Media Studio inside the Legislative Building was transferred to Ontario’s Legislature in 1988. Used primarily for press conferences by Members of Provincial Parliament, it is frequently seen in news reports and on television. #OA50Years

Prior to 1986, the Clerk was appointed by the Premier, but by the mid-1980s, the government had decided to turn the authority of choosing a Clerk over to a committee with all-party membership. The chosen candidate was then appointed by an order in council. #OA50Years

It's officially #Sakura season! The 3 flowering Sakura (or #cherryblossom ) trees at Queen's Park were a gift from the Japanese Consulate in Toronto in 2005. They are a symbol of friendship and goodwill between Ontario and Japan.
This year they are blooming beautifully!

The Broadcast and Recording Service was established in 1986. Televised broadcasts of Ontario’s Legislature began on October 14, 1986 on the ONTPARL television channel. Today, broadcasts are also available as a live stream on our website. #OA50Years