Inside the House.

Offices occupy much of the Legislative Building, which also includes a formal suite of rooms used by the Lieutenant Governor. At the heart of the building is the Legislative Chamber – also known as the House. Here, when the Legislature is meeting, MPPs make the decisions that shape Ontario’s future.

The Chamber is an imposing room, in keeping with its important role in our democratic system. Massive panels of intricately carved mahogany and sycamore deck the walls, which soar four storeys to a magnificent ceiling fresco – hidden since 1912 by a layer of acoustic tile. The most impressive carving is an immense royal coat of arms above the chair at the south end of the room.

The person who occupies that chair is the Speaker. The Speaker is chief presiding officer of the House, with final authority on all matters of order and procedure.

Facing the Speaker’s chair is a wide central aisle. To the right sit MPPs from the government party; to the left, the opposition parties. In front of the Speaker’s chair is the table occupied by the Clerk and the Clerks Assistant. They advise the Speaker and members on the rules of procedure, also known as Standing Orders.

Sitting on the steps that lead up to the Speaker’s chair are the Legislative Pages. These boys and girls deliver messages and run errands for MPPs when the House is meeting. There are 22 pages, chosen from Grade 7 and 8 students whose marks average at least 80 per cent. They come from across the province and spend four weeks at Queen’s Park, where they also receive tutoring to help them keep up with their school work.