Premier Doug Ford announced on Thursday that Ontario members of provincial parliament will observe a five‑month summer recess before the legislature reconvenes for its fall session. The decision, made in June 2026, adds several weeks to the traditional summer break and follows a winter recess that lasted more than three months earlier in the year.
The extended hiatus comes after the provincial legislature completed a winter pause that exceeded three months, a length that was already longer than the typical winter break. By extending the summer interval to five months, the government aims to create a continuous period of reduced legislative activity spanning most of the year.
Historically, the Ontario legislature has scheduled a summer recess each year, allowing members time away from the capital while constituency work continues. However, the break has generally been shorter than the five months now announced. The new schedule will see members return to the legislature later in the fall than in previous years.
Premier Ford explained his preference for the longer summer period, stating that he wants his members to be away during the summer months. He indicated that the extended time away aligns with his view of how the legislative calendar should be structured.
The five‑month recess will affect the timing of bills, committee meetings and other parliamentary business that normally occur during the summer. With the extended break, the fall session will begin later, compressing the legislative calendar into a shorter window before the next winter recess. The change also means that constituents will have reduced direct access to their representatives in the capital for a longer portion of the year, while local offices continue to operate. No further details on how the schedule will be adjusted for specific legislative duties were provided at the announcement.