1920s image © Library and Archives of Canada
At the time of Confederation, over 80% of Ontarians claimed ethnicity from the British Isles. Today, Ontario is Canada’s most multicultural province. People from over 200 countries call Ontario home and over 130 languages are spoken here.
The Legislative Building has undergone many transformations and modernizations since its opening in 1893. Chandeliers originally lit with a combination of gas and electricity have been modernized to be fully electric. All Ontarians now have better access to their parliament and its proceedings thanks to television broadcasting of debates that began in 1986, and the more recent addition of a web streaming service available at the Legislative Assembly web site.
Ontario’s 150th birthday gives us the opportunity to reflect on our past and look towards our future. The next 150 years will continue to see growth and change for both Ontario and its Legislature.