The end-of-session scramble

Another bruising for Bill 5

Presented by One Step Forward

ABOVE THE FOLD

It’s crunch time at the Leg. With two weeks to go until MPPs break for summer recess, the halls of power are buzzing — and not just with extra caffeine.

Fresh off a constit week break, MPPs can look forward to potential late-night sittings, a flurry of last-minute legislation and no shortage of theatrical debates as they scramble to score viral moments before hitting the summer barbecue circuit. The end-of-session sprint is on — here’s how it’s shaping up.

Late nights ahead: The ruling PCs want to get their legislative agenda through due process before the House rises, and to that end, Government House Leader STEVE CLARK cleared a motion allowing MPPs to sit as late as midnight until June 5.

Budget biggie: MPPs will kick off today’s proceedings with second-reading debate on Bill 24, Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY’s budget implementation act.

Later on, Bill 17 — Housing Minister ROB FLACK’s changes to development charges, among other thin…