With the exception of ceremonial occasions, the time a Member of the Legislative Assembly spends in the Chamber follows a regular routine. A daily sitting starts with the ringing of the bells and the entrance of the Speaker’s procession into the Chamber. The Speaker and Clerks take their seats; the Sergeant-at-Arms places the mace on the Table; and routine proceedings begin.
Prayers and Reflections
The first sitting of the day begins with a prayer or reflection offered by the Speaker or a Member or, occasionally, a visiting spiritual leader or Indigenous elder or leader.
Introductions by Members
Next, Members may rise to introduce guests in the gallery. Introductions should be brief and non-argumentative. By leave of the House, introductions may also be made at other times during a sitting.
Introduction of Bills
Public bills can be introduced either by a Cabinet Minister on behalf of government or a Private Member (a Member who is not in Cabinet). A succinct two-minute explanation on the general objective and subject matter of the bill is presented.
Two-minute Statements by Members
Each sitting day, up to six Private Members may make two-minute statements on a topic of their choice, subject to the provisions of Standing Order 25B. These statements take place immediately prior to Oral Question Period, pursuant to Standing Order 25.
Oral Question Period
An important function of the Legislative Assembly is to scrutinize the policies and actions of the executive branch of government and to hold Cabinet Ministers accountable for their actions, collectively and individually. The Legislative Assembly fulfils its scrutiny role through a variety of means, including Oral Question Period, an intense 30-minute exchange of questions and answers. Members may ask questions of Cabinet Ministers on subjects relating to government policy or the current responsibility of a Minister.
Oral Question Period takes place in the afternoon on Monday and Wednesday sittings, and in the morning on Tuesday and Thursday sittings. Further information on the rules and practices regarding Oral Question Period is found in Standing Order 47A.
Presenting Petitions
After Oral Question Period, Members have the opportunity to present petitions on behalf of their constituents. The rules for presenting petitions can be found in Standing Order 73.
Presenting Reports by Committee
Following petitions, reports by parliamentary committees may be presented to the Legislative Assembly. Committee reports summarize the work of a committee, including outlining any findings, decisions and recommendations.
Orders of the Day
The remainder of a typical sitting day in the House is taken up with “Orders of the Day”, the agenda of daily business which often includes debate on public bills or government motions (with the exception of Monday morning sittings, which are dedicated to Private Members’ business). The legislative agenda is announced by the Government House Leader, who may consult with the House Leaders of other recognized caucuses and Independent Members on the scheduling of House business.