Some progress in the contempt of Parliament proceedings in the Ontario Legislature against Energy minister Chris Bentley. Proceedings which have brought the business of the house to a complete halt.

Debate on the contempt motion was cut short on Monday, and on Tuesday MPP's are expected to vote up or down on a motion of sending the issue to committee. The vote will be held after Question Period.

Government House leader John Milloy sent out a statement Monday evening saying "debate is an important part of democracy." In the past, the Liberals have claimed this debate was just a way for opposition parties to stall regular proceedings. The Liberals will continue to defend Bentley, and Milloy's statement went on to say they will vote against the motion on Tuesday.

This all flows from the McGuinty Government's decision to move the planned natural-gas fired generating plants from Mississauga and Oakville and the government refusal to produce documents demanded by the committee.

The premier cancelled a morning event to address what's going on at Queen's Park. His staff underlining that one third of MPP's still have to speak to the issue, including Dalton McGuinty.  

If eventually, Chris Bentley is found in contempt, punishment can range from a simple apology to jail time.

(partial files by D. Agar)