The Legislative Assembly Office (LAO) is a nonpartisan organization in the public service of Alberta that operates within a statutory mandate to support elected representatives and ensure the Legislative Assembly functions efficiently and effectively.
The LAO embraces the rich parliamentary tradition that underpins the constitutional rights of Members and it supports their unique role in Alberta’s parliamentary democracy.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly oversees the LAO, which was established in 1983.
In addition to a procedural role within the Assembly, the Speaker has executive leadership responsibilities for the LAO similar to a government Cabinet Minister.
The Members’ Services Committee (MSC) is a Special Standing Committee chaired by the Speaker.
The committee oversees the LAO’s annual budget, sets Members’ allowances, constituency office allowances and Members’ benefits and establishes human resource, informatics and financial management policy for the LAO.
The LAO's nonpartisan support to the Speaker, Members and their staff includes administrative and procedural services for Assembly business, committee meetings and constituency offices throughout the province.
In addition to these core functions, the LAO assists the Speaker in informing the public about parliamentary process and the legislative system through education and outreach programs. The LAO facilitates citizen engagement
in a number of ways, including broadcasting House and committee proceedings, educating students through School at the Legislature, providing public tours and ensuring Assembly debates and decisions are accessible through the Assembly’s public
website.
The LAO also safeguards the continuity and impartiality of legislative processes by supporting Members and their staff during the period of transition following a general election.
The Speaker holds office until the day before the commencement of the next Legislature to ensure administrative continuity.
LAO Strategic Business Plan
April 2023 - March 2026
Connecting People to Parliament
Guides the organization’s path forward for the short term. Over the next three years the LAO team will work together to modernize processes, streamline operations and increase stakeholder engagement to ensure that Albertans are connected to parliamentary
democracy. The Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services approved the plan on January 31, 2023.
Strategic Plan
Vision, Mission and Values
The vision, mission and values of the Legislative Assembly Office (LAO) guide employees each day in the delivery of exemplary services to the Legislative Assembly and provide future direction for the organization.
Vision
Albertans are connected to parliamentary democracy.
Mission
- To provide nonpartisan support to the Speaker and the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
- To value and uphold the democratic traditions of the Legislative Assembly in a dynamic parliamentary environment.
- To promote public awareness, understanding and engagement with the democratic process.
Values
Several core values guide LAO employees in the work they do on behalf of Albertans.
Access to Information
Please send access to information requests for the Legislative Assembly Office to
foip@assembly.ab.ca