Split views on keeping the Lord's Prayer in 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 local MPPs are split on how good an idea is.

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.

Both Oak Ridges - Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek and York - Simcoe MPP Julia Munro agreed they had heard no call for the prayer to be dropped.

Jaczek said she's heard nothing along those lines, although she added as a new MPP, she didn't realize it was part of the daily routine.

"It think it's part of the premier's desire to review," Jaczek stated, adding he's trying to make the operations of the legislature "reflect today's reality."

She also observed these are still early days in a new Parliament, so the timing is not unreasonable.

Jaczek commented they have received summaries of what is done in other legislatures, and some of them have no prayers at all. She added if it were up to her, she would like to see days at the legislature open with some quiet time to reflect on the work to be done and the need for civility.

"From my observations of the House, I think it would be a good idea to have some quiet time to consider and choose one's words carefully," she remarked.

But Munro was not impressed with the move, as she urged Mcguinty to scrap his government's plan and respect the traditions of the legislature.

She said she has been hearing for constituents reacting to the premier's announcement, and these people are unanimous in their opposition, as they want the prayer maintained.

"The face of Ontario is changing and it's important that we recognize this," said Munro. "However, it is equally as important that we respect and maintain the traditions and history of the Ontario Legislature. Part of that tradition is keeping the Lord's Prayer."

"I find it strange, quite frankly," she remarked, reflecting that the October provincial election hinged on the Progressive Conservatives' plan to extend funding to faithbased schools. "It strikes me as very odd that he would want to bring in something that obviously is going to create some similar type of controversy. I just don't understand it."

"While jobs disappear and Ontario's economy suffers, Dalton McGuinty thinks it's more important to declare a bungled holiday and talk about doing away with prayers," she observed. "Before Mr. McGuinty raised this idea, I had never heard from any of my constituents about the issue. Residents of York-Simcoe 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."

She thought he might be trying to deflect the other issues, like the economy, with an announcement like this. "I don't know if it's a trial balloon," Munro remarked.

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

Progressive Conservative Leader 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 one-off 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."