New Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) receive help from caucus staff and colleagues who have experience in setting up an office or with the services available at the Legislative Assembly. In addition to that, Assembly staff are happy to assist and have compiled a list of resources to make the transition to life as a Member as smooth as possible.
Members of the 42nd Parliament
Members of the 42nd Parliament, including official photographs and biographies, are listed on the Legislative Assembly website under Members. Individual Members can be searched by name, constituency, community, and postal code, by using Find My MLA.
Oath Ceremony
Every Member of the Legislative Assembly is required under section 24 of the provincial Constitution Act to take and subscribe to the oath of allegiance prior to sitting or voting in the House. A Member who conscientiously declines the taking of an oath may make a solemn affirmation or declaration instead. Members are also required to sign the parliamentary roll.
The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly administers the oath/affirmation to duly elected Members at a ceremony once the Clerk receives the certified results of election from the Chief Electoral Officer. Family members are welcome to attend the event and a photographer will be present. Members may bring their own holy book for the occasion if you prefer, and cameras are permitted. Further information will be communicated from the Member’s caucus and the Office of the Clerk.
The oath is as follows:
I, A.B., swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, [or her successor], her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Initial Travel Expenses
Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses will be reimbursed for initial trips to attend caucus meetings and events at the Legislative Assembly. Please save and submit detailed receipts for reimbursement (travel claims may be filed after the return of the writs of election). Detailed information is available in the Travel Guidelines.
Assembly Email Accounts
New and returning Members are provided with Assembly email accounts. Caucus staff will notify Members when the accounts are set up.
Constituency Office Set-Up
A new Member’s first steps will include finding and leasing constituency office space and hiring staff.
Lease: The Legislative Assembly has arranged the services of a leasing consultant to assist Members with lease review services.
Staffing: Each Member is responsible for hiring constituency office staff. Salary and benefits are paid from the constituency office allowance, and a formal employment contract or offer letter is required, a copy of which must be submitted to Payroll Services.
Detailed information on first steps is available in Managing Your Constituency Office section of this website. The Constituency Office Portal is an administrative supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Members’ Guide to Policy and Resources. It contains additional guides, forms, announcements, and administrative resources related to constituency office operations. Please note that the Portal is intranet-based and is only accessible from the Legislative Assembly network.
Please contact Financial Services (COexpenses@leg.bc.ca) for more information on constituency office set-up and Payroll Services (payrolloffice@leg.bc.ca) for more information on staffing.
Videoconference seminars will be set up following general voting day to assist new and returning Members navigate these first steps.
Key Contact
MLA Orientation and Transition Team