Members of the Legislative Assembly have three key roles and responsibilities: parliamentary, representative, and caucus. Whether in the Chamber debating proposed legislation or spending, working on parliamentary committees, or meeting with constituents, the work of a Member is far-reaching and performed in many places.
Parliamentary
Members perform a number of parliamentary functions including:
- Considering, debating, and voting on bills;
- Scrutinizing and authorizing public expenditures and taxes;
- Exercising parliamentary oversight of government by asking questions about government plans and policy and by participating in debate; and
- Educating members of the public on parliamentary democracy in British Columbia.
Members may be elected or appointed to specialized roles as presiding officers (Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Assistant Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole), as parliamentary committee members, or as committee chairs to ensure proceedings in the House and in parliamentary committees go smoothly.
There are also interparliamentary organizations that provide professional development forums for Members. Members may participate in these organizations and attend conferences and seminars relating to their role and work as Members.
Representative
Members meet regularly with constituents and attend community meetings and events. Constituency offices assist British Columbians who have questions or concerns about provincial programs, policies, and benefits. Members may also contact ministers or ministry officials about policies and programs affecting individual British Columbians.
There are also opportunities for Members to raise constituent perspectives and concerns in the Legislative Assembly during debates by making statements or presenting petitions, and by asking government to act on issues affecting residents of their electoral district or the province.
Caucus
Members meet frequently with their colleagues from the same party caucus throughout the year. At these caucus meetings, they may discuss policy development, propose House strategy, and develop caucus positions on subjects being debated in the Legislative Assembly and on other matters of public policy. Some Members may also perform specific roles as caucus officers (e.g., House Leaders, Whips).