The Legislative Assembly consists of 83 Members elected from across Alberta and is the focal point of our democratic process. It is where Alberta laws are passed, which affects our way of life in Alberta.

The Legislative Assembly Office (LAO) supports the Legislative Assembly, MLAs and their staff by providing administrative and procedural services and ensures a smooth transition during provincial elections. The LAO also informs and educates the public on the parliamentary process through educational and outreach programs. The Speaker is the official head of the Legislative Assembly Office.

Separation of Powers

The Legislative Assembly is one of three branches in the parliamentary system.

The executive branch, which is the "Government", consists of the Premier and his chosen cabinet ministers. Each cabinet minister is the head of a government department and is responsible for administering existing laws and ensuring that government policies are put into practice. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying laws through the courts. More information on the separation of powers is available in The Citizen's Guide to the Alberta Legislature.