1. What is an MLA
2. What is the role of an MLA?
3. What are the duties of an MLA?
4. How long has Ron Liepert been an MLA?
5. Is Ron Liepert a Cabinet Minister?

1. What is an MLA?

An MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) is elected by the public in his/her constituency or electoral division, to serve as a representative in the Alberta Legislative Assembly.

2. What is the role of an MLA?

An MLA may be required to fulfill as many as four distinct roles:

The role of Legislator involves understanding the spirit of existing laws, planning new laws, and studying, discussing and then supporting or opposing the enactment of new laws.

As a Representative of his or her constituency, a Member may voice concerns on behalf of constituents, represent viewpoints or intercede and assist in problem solving.

An MLA is also a Member of an elected party caucus. In this function, he or she may be involved in planning and orchestrating strategy in the House, supporting the caucus and its decisions, and developing expertise in given subject areas.

Depending on his/her party’s political fortunes, the MLA may serve as a Cabinet Minister or Opposition Critic.

3. What are the duties of an MLA?

Members of the Legislative Assembly divide their time between their constituencies and their work in the Assembly. MLAs duties will vary, depending on whether he/she is a Member of Cabinet, a Member of the Opposition, or a Government Backbencher.

Opposition Members spend much of their time researching and asking questions in the House regarding their constituencies and critic areas. Both Opposition Members and Government Backbenchers present Petitions, Resolutions, and Private Members’ Bills to the House.

MLAs who are Ministers of the Crown (Cabinet Members) spend much of their time overseeing the operations of their assigned departments. Cabinet Ministers must be prepared to answer questions from the Opposition, put forward Government Bills, and deal with the Estimates and Annual Reports of their departments.

MLAs also serve as Members of various committees. Committee membership is allocated to the political parties in approximately the same proportion as their representation in the House.

Constituents encountering problems within their division, or having problems dealing with government departments, agencies, etc. often refer to their MLA for assistance. Much of an MLA’s time is spent handling their constituents individual problems, answering questions and concerns, and keeping aware of the prevailing opinion of the constituency.

MLAs keep in touch with their constituents by personal contact, by phone, in writing, through meetings, community newsletters and through various other froms of communication.

Every MLA may open an office in his or her constituency.

4. How long has Ron Liepert been an MLA? 

Ron Liepert was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Calgary-West on November 22, 2004.

5. Is Ron Liepert a Cabinet Minister?   

Ron Liepert was sworn in as the Minister of Energy on January 15, 2010.