The Legislative Assembly Building in Toronto, Ontario

Ontario's laws are created in the Legislative Assembly.  Unlike many states in America, Ontario does not have an upper house, or Senate.

This building was designed by Richard Waite and opened to the public in 1893.  

The history of Ontario's
government is on display
throughout the building.

The original mace that
was used to open the
Assembly is on the left.
.
The new mace is in
the case on the right.

The two diamonds mounted

in the new mace were 

mined in Ontario.

Eric, Patrick and I toured the building with Rachel.  She did a great job of sharing Ontario's government history, the history and architecture of the building.  While touring, Patrick shared his extensive knowledge of Ontario, it's symbols and motto.  Patrick is a Canadian diplomat who is between assignments.

The Assembly Chamber

The Speaker of the Assembly
sits at the chair in the back
of the room.

The desk in front of the Speaker
is the clerk's desk.

The furniture in the chamber
is original to the building.

The west wing of the

Legislative Assembly Building
was destroyed by a fire in 1909.

The redesigned wing 

was finished in marble.

Ontario's coat of arms
is in the stained glass
above the western wing.

Portraits of former

Premiers grace

the walls.

After the tour, I asked Patrick about Canada's independence from England.  Canada negotiated independence and continues its ties with England.  Queen Elizabeth reigns, she does not rule in Canada.








The eastern wing of the
building from the second floor.

We were happy to find

a small shop in the

Legislative Assembly Building.

Eric is mailing post cards

to family & friends

in the US.

This is our first visit to a Provincial Legislative building.  Eric and I like learning about how governments work and now we know more about how Ontario governs on a provincial level.