Participation in Committees
A legislative committee is a small working group of MPPs responsible for detailed consideration of any matter that it is authorized to review. In the course of its work, a committee may hold public hearings, wherein citizens from across Ontario have the opportunity to comment on, or provide evidence relating to, the matter under review.
The three most common ways in which individuals or organizations can engage in the committee process are by appearing as a committee witness, submitting written material to a committee, or attending committee hearings.
Appearing as a committee witness
Members of the public who wish to speak before a legislative committee must start by registering with the Clerk of the Committee. The Clerk may be contacted by telephone, email, or fax (information provided below).
Organizations or individuals who wish to register will be asked for the following information:
- Contact name
- Organization name
- Presenter(s) name and title
- Address
- Contact numbers (home, work, cell, fax, email)
- Bill name or number, or issue that they wish to speak about
The Committees Branch facilitates the organization of the hearings, based on direction from the committee members. Organizations or individuals selected to present before the committee will be contacted by the Clerk of the Committee. For additional information regarding meeting locations, dates and deadlines, please refer to the Notice of Hearings section of the particular committee. You may also contact our office at:
Procedural Services Branch
99 Wellesley Street West
Room 1405, Whitney Block
Toronto, ON M7A 1A2
Telephone: 416-325-3500
Fax: 416-325-3505
TTY: 416-325-3538
Collect calls are accepted.
Upon arrival at the committee room, presenters must introduce themselves to the Clerk of the Committee to confirm attendance. Any documents or materials for distribution to the members of the committee should be given to the Clerk before making your presentation.
Please be aware that your submission will form part of the official public record of the committee. Your name and testimony will be published in the committee’s Hansard transcripts, the electronic version of which will be posted on the Internet. Your presentation may be recorded on video for broadcast on the Legislative Assembly’s television service, which will also be made available on the Internet.