Jones wants the Lord's Prayer to stay in the legislature
By Bill Rea

Premier Dalton McGuinty has called for an end to the reciting of the Lord's Prayer at the start of the day's work in the provincial legislature, but Dufferin - Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones is not impressed.

The premier made the announcement last week in a letter he issued.

"It is time to move beyond the daily recitation of the Lord's Prayer in the Ontario legislature to a more inclusive approach that reflects 21st century," he was quoted as stating in last Thursday's Toronto Sun.

"I guess I'm frustrated on two levels," Jones told the Citizen last week.

She said the premier could have discussed the issue with MPPs, or had the issue raised in committee, rather than just issue a letter. Jones wasn't sure if the issue had been raised in McGuinty's Liberal caucus, but it came as a surprise to opposition MPPs, as well as party House leaders.

She was also frustrated that McGuinty doesn't seem to have anything else to worry about.

"This is what is occupying our premier right now,' she observed, pointing to recent economic woes and jobs being lost. "His solution is to talk about how to open our legislature."

"While jobs disappear and Ontario's economy suffers, Dalton McGuinty thinks it's more important to eliminate opening prayers," Jones said. "Before Mr. McGuinty suggested eliminating the Lord's Prayer, I had never heard from any of my constituents about the issue. Residents of Dufferin- Caledon care more about making sure they have good paying jobs, a health care system that works and an education system that helps provide our kids with the skills and good start they need."

Jones said the Lord's Prayer should continue to be used to open the legislative day, adding other prayers could be used as well. They could be recited on a rotation business, while maintaining the traditions of the house.

"It is important that we respect and maintain the traditions and history of the Ontario legislature," she declared. "Part of that tradition is opening the parliamentary day with the Lord's Prayer."

"Instead of more last minute decisions and one-off letters, Ontarians want a government that makes decisions in a constructive and productive manner," Jones said. "We will continue to hold the McGuinty Liberals to account on the important issues while still looking for ways to improve the way Queen's Park works."

Progressive Conservative Leader (and former local MPP) John Tory wasn't impressed with what the premier is up to either.

He sent a letter to McGuinty last Wednesday, in which he stated the issue "comes somewhat out of the blue."

Tory added the PCs are ready to be part of a committee to address things like this. "It would be better if these things were dealt with on a comprehensive basis, rather than in a series of oneoff letters issued from time to time."

He also stressed the need to "recognize the traditions and history of this place, because I think that is important."

Tory stated removing the Lord's Prayer completely "is completely unacceptable to us."

"Part of respecting the tradition of the legislature is keeping the Lord's Prayer," he added. "That doesn't mean we wouldn't be open to other prayers being added, but a starting assumption that we would eliminate the Lord's Prayer would not be acceptable to us."

For members of the public who want their voices heard on this matter, a petition to maintain the Lord's Prayer in the legislature is available in Jones' Bolton constituency office, at 12596 Highway 50.

"We're certainly going to make a fuss over it," Jones declared. "I hope others do as well.

Jones also stated she had heard no calls for this move, "zero, not a single statement."

"It came out completely out of the blue."