Legislative Assembly Office PARLIAMENTARY CONTINUITY Annual Report 2019‑2020

CONTENTS

Message from the Speaker 4

Message from the Clerk 6

Our Story 8

Our Team 10

Vision, Mission and Values 12

Our Performance 13

Featured Events 29

By the Numbers 32

Financial Statements 35

Members of the 30th Legislature 50

Conferences 55 APPENDIX

Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act 58

Annual Report 2019‑2020 3 MESSAGE FROM THE SPEAKER

APRIL 1, 2020 This is the first year I have presided over the operation of the Legislative Assembly has never been Legislative Assembly Office during the entire fiscal more evident. reporting period. I am pleased to present this annual The fiscal year opened with a provincial general report as a record of all that we have achieved election. In the weeks and months that followed, together. the LAO team deftly guided 47 new Members of the As I draft this message, we are in the midst of Legislative Assembly as they navigated the intricacies a global health pandemic. This unprecedented of their vital roles within ’s parliamentary emergency has redirected our attention and caused democracy. us to quickly adapt our operations. During the final Soon after stepping into the role of Speaker, I weeks of the fiscal year the Legislative Assembly met introduced a series of videos that distilled the as required to pass legislation essential to managing legislative process and explained parliamentary the crisis. House proceedings were modified to traditions hundreds of years old. These educational allow Members and staff to conduct business in videos were shared with audiences across social accordance with public health recommendations on media. The LAO’s educational programming was also physical distancing. The dedication of the Legislative bolstered with the launch of the Alberta Teachers Assembly Office (LAO) to support the effective Institute on Parliamentary Democracy. This program

4 Legislative Assembly of Alberta expands the impact of parliamentary learning by While we face an uncertain future, I am confident teaching teachers from across the province. that the capable and dedicated LAO team will support our Legislative Assembly through whatever This past year has tested the responsiveness and challenges arise and ensure that Alberta’s provincial adaptability of the LAO, and our team has met representatives have what they need to effectively each challenge with stalwart professionalism. serve Albertans.

Honourable Nathan M. Cooper Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Annual Report 2019‑2020 5 MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK

APRIL 1, 2020 I have been honoured to lead the LAO through what In addition to postelection activities, the LAO created has proved to be an extraordinary year. Managing a three-year strategic plan to direct our future efforts. the shift from the 29th to the 30th Legislature was All team members participated in a refresh of the the primary focus of the first part of the fiscal year. LAO’s vision, mission and values and contributed to By streamlining the commencement process, the drafting organizational goals. This inclusive approach will ensure that the actions of each member of our LAO oriented Members of the Legislative Assembly team align with our organizational direction going to their new roles and equipped them to serve their forward. I look forward to implementing the plan in constituents more efficiently than ever before. the coming years. The constituency boundaries changed between the We also underwent organizational changes to reflect 29th and 30th legislatures. This change, combined a return to our core business. The creation of the with opportunities in the Alberta real estate market Parliamentary Programs branch demonstrates our to cost-effectively secure improved spaces, resulted renewed commitment to focus public programming in the need for the LAO to respond to more efforts on educating Albertans about the Legislative constituency office moves with more expeditious Assembly. timelines than had been seen in former legislatures. At the close of the fiscal year our lives were disrupted Thorough planning meant that office set-ups and by the COVID-19 pandemic. The operations of the moves were effectively managed. LAO were equally affected. As schools across the

6 Legislative Assembly of Alberta province closed to students, public admittance to The LAO faced many challenges throughout the the and the Legislative Assembly fiscal year and successfully navigated each of them. I Visitor Centre was restricted and all events and public am so proud to be a part of such a resilient team. programming were halted. While the majority of As we look to the year ahead, much is uncertain, but staff members began working from home, House we have a clear plan and a staff that is committed services, security and broadcast staff continued to seeing that plan through. Whatever challenges to work on-site, ensuring essential support to the await, we will face them together. I am certain we Assembly was maintained while it continued to sit. will emerge a stronger and more united organization.

Shannon Dean, QC Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Annual Report 2019‑2020 7 OUR STORY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OFFICE

The LAO is a nonpartisan entity dedicated to supporting parliamentary democracy and upholding the democratic process in Alberta. Since 1983 the LAO has provided administrative and procedural expertise and services to all Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in support of their pursuit to effectively represent Albertans in their constituencies and in the Assembly. In periods of transition following a provincial general election the LAO safeguards the continuity and impartiality of Alberta’s legislative process. The LAO also encourages an active and informed public by offering a wide array of educational programming. Our team of dedicated professionals are the beneficiaries of a rich parliamentary tradition, dating back to 14th -century England. We work hard to uphold and abide by parliamentary tradition while ensuring the LAO’s operations adapt to the ever-changing needs of the Members we serve and the best interests of Albertans.

8 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 9 OUR TEAM

OFFICE OF THE CLERK HOUSE SERVICES CEREMONIAL AND SECURITY SERVICES The Clerk is the chief executive House Services oversees House officer of the Legislative and committee proceedings, Ceremonial and Security Services Assembly. Under the direction which includes providing research is principal adviser on security of the Speaker, the Clerk has services. The branch also provides matters, managing security for both procedural and managerial procedural advice to the Speaker the Legislature Chamber and responsibilities as well as oversees and Members. In addition, the constituency offices and liaising the delivery of nonpartisan branch is responsible for the with external intelligence, public services to Members and production of various House safety and security organizations. Albertans. This office is also and committee documents and responsible for interparliamentary records, including the Order relations, which involves Paper, Votes and Proceedings and PARLIAMENTARY organizing Alberta’s participation Journals. PROGRAMS in parliamentary associations, Parliamentary Programs helps co -ordinating Member CORPORATE SERVICES Albertans learn about and engage participation in conferences, in the parliamentary process. seminars and exchanges and Corporate Services oversees The branch oversees visitor and organizing nonpartisan programs support relating to financial educational programming and for incoming parliamentarians. management, office the use of visitor spaces and administration and property venues, including the interactive PARLIAMENTARY management, technology, Legislative Assembly Visitor telecommunications and COUNSEL Centre. The branch also manages audiovisual and broadcast the production of Alberta Hansard, The office of Parliamentary services. It also provides strategic the official transcript of Legislative Counsel provides legal advice communications, professional Assembly debates. and support on a broad range writing and design services. of issues, including questions LIBRARY SERVICES of procedure, contract law, HUMAN RESOURCE employment law and leases. SERVICES The Legislature Library serves Some members of the office as the parliamentary library serve as table officers, providing Human Resource Services for Members of the Legislative legal and procedural advice in provides customized human Assembly of Alberta. In addition the Assembly. The office also resource management, to providing access to collections offers legislative drafting services compensation and consulting of relevant information in several for private members bills and services to support the Legislative formats the branch also offers amendments tabled in the Assembly of Alberta. confidential and authoritative Assembly. research services. Responsibility for records management also resides within the branch.

10 Legislative Assembly of Alberta

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES OUR VISION

We strengthen parliamentary democracy for all Albertans.

OUR MISSION

• We provide nonpartisan support to the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly. • We uphold the values and traditions of the Legislative Assembly. • We manage change in a dynamic parliamentary environment. • We promote public awareness and engagement in the work of the Legislative Assembly.

OUR VALUES

Our values guide us in our work. Trust Innovation Comradery Meaningful Work Nonpartisan Engaged Excellence

Updated as of spring 2020

12 Legislative Assembly of Alberta OUR PERFORMANCE

PARLIAMENTARY CONTINUITY DURING CHALLENGING TIMES

The LAO underpins parliamentary democracy through its day-to-day activities by facilitating the smooth functioning of the Legislative Assembly. The 2019-2020 fiscal year opened with a general provincial election on April 16, 2019. During the weeks and months that followed, the LAO managed the Legislature transition and equipped Members of the 30th Legislature to effectively represent their constituents.

The election transition was a primary focus at the start of the fiscal year, but other important work was also accomplished during the reporting period. All team members participated in the creation of a three-year strategic plan that clarifies the organizational direction from 2020 to 2023, bolsters its mandate and renews its vision, mission and values. This work positioned the LAO to adapt to a changing economic environment and to navigate a global health pandemic as the year closed. Armed with a clear direction, the LAO looks with confidence to the challenges that lie ahead.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 13 GOAL 1: MANAGE LEGISLATURE TRANSITION

• Streamlined Commencement

• Fostered Member Engagement

• Focused on Improvement

Goal 1: Election and postelection protocols and practices are developed, maintained and applied in accordance with parliamentary traditions, and Members and staff receive the support that they need throughout the postelection process.

WELCOMED MEMBERS-ELECT

April 17, 2019, was the day after Alberta’s 30th general the Legislative Assembly Office (LAO), who were ready provincial election and the first day on the job for to respond. All Members-elect were contacted within 47 newly elected provincial representatives. Their one day of polling; this was within the one-week target. enthusiasm was met with anticipation by employees of

STREAMLINED COMMENCEMENT PROCESS WITH MEMBER PORTAL

The Member portal is an online tool developed in better positioned them to make decisions at the 2018 -2019 to streamline the new Member orientation that followed. The preordering of mobile commencement process. Launched the day after the technology allowed the LAO to equip Members much election, the portal provided a secure connection sooner than was previously possible. Efficiencies created through which Members-elect could begin the by the portal carried through the entire orientation onboarding process for their new roles. Members process, allowing the LAO to be more responsive to accessed information on remuneration, allowances, Member needs. Over 70 per cent of Members-elect benefits packages and other corporate services, which used the portal during the commencement process.

14 Legislative Assembly of Alberta FOSTERED MEMBER ENGAGEMENT THROUGH INFORMATION FAIR

The LAO enhanced the new Member orientation in 2019 regarding onboarding options and technology solutions. by introducing an information fair. The fair featured a The orientation program also included a welcome collection of kiosks with information on the services session, group presentations, breakout sessions and a and supports provided by branches of the LAO and tour of the facilities. Presentations covered various topics, independent Legislature Offices. It also provided including the role of the LAO, life as an MLA and setting Members with informal opportunities to interact with up and running constituency offices. front -line staff and receive one-on-one guidance

MET ELECTORAL BOUNDARY UPDATE TARGET

The impact of the electoral boundaries update was All Members benefited from data compiled by the LAO organization wide. The extensive process of updating about each newly-established electoral division. the constituency boundaries in support materials and Constantly updated, these resources provide Members information managed by the LAO began far in advance with current and historical information tailored to them of the election, and because of that, the LAO successfully and their constituencies. met this target in a timely manner.

IDENTIFIED PATHS TO IMPROVEMENT THROUGH POSTELECTION SURVEY

The LAO conducted postelection briefing meetings personal safety and security advice and devices was to discuss lessons learned through the election 75 per cent, and satisfaction with the process for hiring transition and to identify paths to future improvement. constituency staff was 71 per cent. This involved reviewing the results of a postelection This was the first survey of its kind, and the LAO learned satisfaction survey circulated to returning, nonreturning much from the process. Survey results were shared and newly elected Members. Our stated goal was 85 with all Members of the Legislative Assembly, and per cent overall Member satisfaction with LAO support. their valuable feedback was carefully considered. In Results showed where we have room for improvement addition to reviewing the feedback for insight into how and where we are on the right path. For example, satisfaction might be improved in the future, the LAO Member satisfaction with the procedural orientation will look for ways to enhance the design and execution provided by the LAO was 83 per cent, and satisfaction of future surveys to ensure that they effectively measure with IT support was 83 per cent. Satisfaction with performance going forward. Annual Report 2019‑2020 15 GOAL 2: SUPPORT LEGISLATURE BUSINESS

• Achieved 83% Satisfaction

• Adapted to Changing Needs

• Supported Record Sittings

Goal 2: The Legislative Assembly and its committees are effective in dealing with the business of the Legislature while protecting the institution, its traditions and its privileges.

PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE SET THE STAGE FOR A NEW LEGISLATURE

The Presiding Officer elections were held the day instructional video, oral presentations and a robust before the new Legislature opened. For the first time question-and-answer session. Additional procedural in Alberta’s history, all three new Presiding Officers, orientation sessions followed committee assignments. the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chair of Chairs and deputy chairs of committees of the Committees, were under the age of 40. Most notably, Legislative Assembly received committee procedure Speaker Cooper is the youngest Speaker elected in and protocol briefings that were supplemented more than 80 years. This generation of Presiding Officers by one-on-one meetings with committee clerks. also brings a different perspective and influence to the Members of the Public Accounts Committee operation of the Legislative Assembly Office. received a committee-­specific orientation facilitated by consultants from Ottawa. Learning how to navigate the parliamentary system is paramount to Members effectively representing Member satisfaction with the procedural guidance their constituents. Presiding Officers received specific provided by the LAO was 83 per cent. This is in line training and guidance on parliamentary procedure. with the benchmark of 85 per cent for this outcome All new Members attended a procedural orientation measure. at which Table Officers led them through an

16 Legislative Assembly of Alberta ADAPTED TO CHANGING NEEDS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Unprecedented times call for adaptability and remotely, staff required to ensure the smooth running flexibility. This is true even for institutions guided by of the Assembly attended on-site. The session schedule precedent and tradition. On March 12, 2020, a public was continually altered to support the immediate needs health emergency was declared in response to the of the Legislative Assembly, and the LAO met its target COVID -19 pandemic, and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of ensuring that proceedings took place as planned. All recommended that organizations allow staff to work proceedings were broadcast on social media, Assembly from home. While LAO teams were mobilized to work Online and Assembly TV.

SUPPORTED RECORD SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY

The First Session of the 30th Legislature had the than the 10-year average. Despite the challenges that two longest sitting days in Alberta’s history. From exceptionally long sittings brought for Members and June 5 to 6, 2019, the Assembly sat for 28 hours and 39 LAO employees, House operations were effectively minutes and from July 3 to 5, 2019, it sat for 44 hours supported, and all sessional documents were available and 39 minutes. The duration of Assembly sittings according to established time targets 92 per cent of collectively for the fiscal year was 70 per cent higher the time.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 17 GOAL 3: PROVIDE TIMELY SERVICE

• Achieved 83% Satisfaction with IT Services

• Managed 136 Employee Commencements

• Finalized 81 New and Amended Lease Agreements

Goal 3: Corporate support services for the Office of the Speaker, Members, caucus staff and constituency office staff are provided in a timely and service-focused fashion in accordance with relevant Members’ Services Committee orders, approved policies and operating guidelines.

Upon election all Members establish and operate constituency offices. Each constituency office requires skills and resources similar to those required to run a small business. And, as many Albertans know, running a small business is no small task. The LAO helps Members to establish their constituency offices with everything from assistance to prepare and execute lease agreements and obtain furniture and equipment to hiring, training and supporting constituency office staff. The LAO ensures Members and their staff have the necessary resources and tools to accomplish their important constituency work. This includes ongoing support with recruitment, payroll, training and general human resources services.

ENSURED MEMBER ACCESSIBILITY

Following the commencement process, priority one All Members were operational within 10 days of the for the LAO was ensuring that all of Alberta’s newly election. Member satisfaction with IT equipment, elected Members were accessible to their constituents network support, mobile devices and IT services and and had the tools to provide effective representation. training was 83 per cent. This is in line with the 85 The LAO equipped Members to work remotely while per cent target for Member satisfaction with overall physical office space that met their individual needs corporate services support and training. and requirements was being acquired and outfitted.

18 Legislative Assembly of Alberta ADMINISTERED LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR OFFICE SPACE

The constituency boundaries changed between the integrated telecommunications services to furnishing 29th and 30th legislatures. This change, combined the spaces. The LAO finalized 81 new and amended with opportunities in the Alberta real estate market leasehold agreements and managed 45 constituency to cost-effectively secure improved spaces, resulted in office moves. In many cases the LAO helped Members the need for the LAO to respond to more constituency navigate complex leasehold improvements and tenant office moves within more condensed timelines than allowances involving remodeling and shifting timelines. had been seen in former legislatures when turnkey Providing such a high volume and level of customized office space was an option. service created exceptional circumstances, and the benchmark turnaround time of 10 days for lease and The LAO assisted with all aspects of the tenancy process, contract preparation wasn’t always achievable. from administering lease agreements to installing

EMPHASIZED FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN OFFICE MOVES

The responsible care of public funds is always a priority In addition to setting up constituency offices across for the LAO. To avoid incurring additional expense, the the province, the LAO facilitated 87 office moves LAO repurposed existing furniture and equipment. The between the Federal Building (EFB) and the LAO furnished 96 per cent of new offices by reusing Legislature. Another 15 moves were managed following existing furniture. the announcement of cabinet.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 19 ADVISED ON CONSTITUENCY EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Constituency office employees facilitate interactions This includes providing resources that detail the between MLAs and the constituents they represent. recruitment process step by step and provide direction Finding the right fit is essential. The LAO guides new on compensation. Member satisfaction with the Members through the recruitment process, setting up process for hiring constituency staff was 71 per cent. employment contracts and managing new employees.

MANAGED DEPARTURES

The foregoing highlights the excitement of welcoming satisfied with the dissolution support they received new Members and staff. The LAO also provides from the LAO. personal assistance with the departure of those who Caucus and constituency employees who departed as were unsuccessful at their bid for re-election and the a result of the election were invited to attend career staff who supported them. At group and one-on-one transition workshops and given access to career meetings departing Members and their employees transition materials. were guided through the dissolution process. A survey of departing Members reported that 70 per cent were

MET OR EXCEEDED FINANCIAL AND PAY PROCESSING TARGETS

The target for processing financial transactions within second year in a row, with all pay being accurately 10 business days was once again met, and the 95 per processed 100 per cent of the time. cent target for processing pay was surpassed for the

20 Legislative Assembly of Alberta GOAL 4: ENGAGE THE PUBLIC

• Expanded the Reach of Parliamentary Learning

• Surpassed Tour and Programming Target

• Exceeded Visitor Satisfaction Target

Goal 4: The LAO is a proactive, open and accessible source for information about the Legislative Assembly and the parliamentary democratic process, including being successful at creating a public understanding that the Assembly is separate and distinct from government.

EXPANDED THE REACH OF PARLIAMENTARY LEARNING

In 2019 the LAO launched a new program focused on sessions, creating meaningful learning experiences teaching the teacher. The Alberta Teachers Institute that they later share with students in the classroom on Parliamentary Democracy provides in-depth setting. This valuable new initiative was modelled after information on the parliamentary system to those programs offered by the of and the who teach kindergarten to Grade 12. Over three days Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. teachers participate in dynamic group workshops and

Annual Report 2019‑2020 21 EXPANDED THE SPEAKER’S OUTREACH PROGRAM

The Speaker’s Outreach program brings the excitement constituencies. In addition, he hosted educational of the Legislature and parliamentary learning to schools programs in Hinton, St. Albert and Edmonton, including across the province. Speaker Cooper expanded the expanding the program to include a seniors’ centre. program to incorporate new elements, such as a Speaker Cooper has also made innovative use of social mock Legislature debate and an activity to illustrate media, including the creation of a series of videos that the process of how a Bill becomes law. Replica distill the legislative process and explain parliamentary parliamentary uniforms were added to the presentation, traditions that date back centuries. These educational which features the Legislature Mace. videos were well received by a diverse range of Speaker Cooper hosted five programs within the audiences, engaging Albertans from all walks of life in reporting period, exceeding the target of two. In the democratic process. The LAO is pleased to report November 2019, the Speaker led a three-day tour that that the Canadian Parliamentary Review featured an attracted 425 participants from six schools within the article on the program in its Fall 2020 issue. Olds -Didsbury-Three Hills and Innisfail-Sylvan Lake

WORKED TO IMPROVE ONLINE ACCESSIBILITY

Work resumed on the redevelopment of the Legislative public, from Assembly documents to educational tools. Assembly’s website. The project had been paused Improved accessibility was also the primary motivation temporarily to allow the timely completion of the behind the LAO’s move to stream Oral Question intranet site, OurHouse, which was launched in Period on its social media channels, which began in April 2019. Phase 1 of the refreshed Assembly website January of 2020. Albertans can now watch their elected is expected to launch in the summer of 2020. The site representatives in person, on Assembly TV, Assembly is being redeveloped to improve the user experience Online, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. and enhanced accessibility to online resources for the

EXCEEDED TOUR AND SATISFACTION TARGETS FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

The LAO engaged almost 70,000 students, teachers and surpassed its visitor satisfaction target for the second visitors in learning during 2019-2020, exceeding its tour year. At 94 per cent the LAO’s actual satisfaction rating and programming target by 12 per cent (from 62,000 was a significant increase over both the target of 85 to 69,575). This is the second year in a row that the per cent and last year’s 91 per cent. LAO has exceeded its target in this area. The LAO also

22 Legislative Assembly of Alberta GOAL 4 OUTCOME MEASURES 2018-19 2019-20 MEASURE TARGET ACTUAL ACTUAL

Number of visitors that observed a sitting 10,750 8,526 7,691

Number of visitors that attended a special event 120,000 126,495 61,137

Number of visitors that participated in a program 62,000 71,641 69,575 or tour

Visitor Centre attendance, including Borealis Gallery, 95,000 85,279 73,274 Agora Interpretative Centre, Pehonan Theatre

Satisfaction of public with events, Visitor Centre 85% satisfied or 91% satisfied or 94% satisfied or experience or program participation very satisfied very satisfied very satisfied

Satisfaction of Members and staff with the ability to 85% satisfied or 86% satisfied or n/a* access information about the Legislative Assembly very satisfied very satisfied and the democratic process

Number of Speaker’s Outreach tours to regions of 2 3 5 the province.

*Measured biannually. The next survey is planned for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 23 GOAL 5: MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

• Achieved 75% Satisfaction

• Exceeded Security Target by 5%

• Maintained Continuity

Goal 5: Provide a safe and secure environment for Members, staff and visitors while ensuring the continuity of the parliamentary process and the protection of property and information assets.

RESPONDED IN A CO-ORDINATED MANNER

The LAO maintains a high level of co-operation managed and communicated with internal and with external intelligence, public safety and security external audiences. Afterwards, additional training organizations, which contributes to a safer environment and crisis counselling were made available to Members for those who work at or visit the Alberta Legislature. and staff. The LAO commiserates with all who were This co-operation was essential in the effective handling impacted by the incident and is grateful for the action of a security incident on the Legislature Grounds on of first responders. December 2, 2019. The incident was appropriately

SUPPORTED FRONT-LINE EMPLOYEES

The LAO maintains consistent contact with constituency that appropriate security measures were in place. In the office employees to ensure their health and safety. It reporting period the LAO visited 40 per cent of offices, outfitted 55 new constituency offices with security exceeding the target of 35 per cent and improving on equipment in 2019 and provided new staff with last year’s outcome of 39 per cent. Member satisfaction security awareness training. The LAO also visited with personal safety and security advice and devices constituency offices throughout the province to verify was 75 per cent.

24 Legislative Assembly of Alberta ENCOURAGED CYBERAWARENESS EDUCATION

As cyber threats continue to grow, so does the participation fell short of the 85 per cent target, the 63 importance of maintaining the security of digital per cent participation rate is encouraging given that the information. Year over year the LAO continues to build program is only in its second year and that participation on its cyberawareness education. Last year a formal in training intended for spring 2020 was circumvented program was introduced to Members and staff, and for many employees as they prioritized dealing with the this year additional steps were taken to increase impacts of COVID-19. participation. While total employee and Member

MAINTAINED PARLIAMENTARY CONTINUITY

On March 12, 2020, the Legislative Assembly suspended Pages, most of whom are high school students, thus tours and public events and restricted public access allowing the Pages to remain safely at home. to the Alberta Legislature and the Edmonton Federal No deficiencies were reported by the Office of the Building, including the Legislative Assembly Visitor Auditor General based on its review of the financial Centre. This was a precautionary measure taken to reporting IT systems. ensure the safety of Members, employees and visitors in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. There were no threats to the Library collection, and Legislative Assembly security staff worked on-site to the LAO continues to digitize important reference facilitate parliamentary continuity. One example was documents and resources to ensure they can be taking on the duties normally performed by Legislature accessed by Members, employees and the public.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 25 GOAL 6: FOSTER A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE

• Engaged Entire Team in Strategic Planning

• Supported Employee Mental Health

• Encouraged Team Building

Goal 6: The LAO Leadership creates through example a constructive, collaborative workplace culture that fosters a skilled, diverse and united workforce that feels supported, valued and proud to provide LAO public services.

ENGAGED ENTIRE TEAM IN STRATEGIC PLANNING

The surest way to know that all team members have well as updating the organizational goals that will a clear understanding of the corporate direction is focus activities in the coming years. The result was the to involve them in the process of setting the course. creation of a three-year strategic plan with practical and During the year LAO leadership held a series of achievable performance measures and a united team planning sessions where team members participated committed to achieving them. The fulsome process in strategy discussions. Employees contributed to was the first of its kind for the LAO, and it led to higher revising the mission, vision and values of the LAO as engagement and greater buy-in from the entire team.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH

Current statistics indicate that 1 in 5 Canadians will courses. One course was designed to advance inclusion experience a mental health issue at some point and collaboration, and the other provided mental health during their life. To better equip the team to navigate first aid training through St. John’s Ambulance. The LAO such situations personally and professionally, the LAO also provided additional support and consideration in launched a quarterly wellness newsletter and two new response to COVID-19.

26 Legislative Assembly of Alberta ENCOURAGED TEAM DEVELOPMENT

In July Speaker Cooper hosted a summer picnic to The LAO took another step in building the skills of personally interact with team members. The event took its workforce by laying the ground work for a new place over the lunch hour and included outdoor team performance management framework that will be activities such as lawn bowling, badminton and bocce. easier to use, more accessible and focus more intently on coaching. More information will follow in the 2020- Team building was also evident at the LAO constituency 2021 report. learning seminar, where all constituency office staff were invited to share ideas and participate in a variety Employee satisfaction with training will be measured next of relevant training sessions. This event coincided with year in accordance with the LAO’s strategic plan, which employee recognition for all LAO staff hosted by Speaker includes biannual employee surveys. Cooper.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 27

FEATURED EVENTS

SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES FOR MEMBERS OF ALBERTA’S 30TH LEGISLATURE

MAY 13 & 21, 2019 Members of Alberta’s 30th Legislature were sworn in over two days by Her Honour the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor. Members of the Official Opposition Caucus were sworn in on Monday, May 13, 2019, beginning with , Leader of the Official Opposition. Members of the Government Caucus were sworn in on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, beginning with Honourable , Premier. Following a provincial general election all elected Members must be sworn in to the new Legislature prior to taking their seats within the Legislative Assembly.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 29 ELECTION OF ALBERTA’S 14TH SPEAKER

MAY 21, 2019 On May 21, 2019, the Honourable Nathan Cooper was elected by his peers to preside over the 30th Legislature as Speaker. The elections of as Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees and as Deputy Chair of Committees took place that same day. The Legislative Assembly must elect presiding officers from among its membership prior to opening session. Members vote by secret ballot.

30 Legislative Assembly of Alberta OPENING OF THE 30TH LEGISLATURE

MAY 22, 2019 The first session of the 30th Legislature opened on May 22, 2019, with Her Honour the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, delivering the Speech from the Throne. PORTRAIT UNVEILING FOR ALBERTA’S 13TH SPEAKER

DECEMBER 9, 2019 The halls of the third and fourth floors of Alberta’s Legislature Building are adorned with official portraits honouring the men and women who have served Alberta’s Legislative Assembly as Lieutenant Governor, Premier or Speaker. The service of the Honourable Robert Wanner, 13th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was honoured on December 9, 2019, with an official portrait. Former Speaker Wanner served in the 29th Legislature and presided as Speaker from June 2015 until May 2019.

Annual Report 2019‑2020 31 BY THE NUMBERS

LEGISLATURE TRANSITION Commencements Office Member and employee Moves Constituency/ Legislature and EFB

185 147 Orientation Sessions 5 Opened Closed New or Constituency Office Constituency Office Amended Leases Contracts 42 52 81 99

32 Legislative Assembly of Alberta HOUSE ACTIVITY

Bills Days* Sittings Introduced 48 65 Petitions Longest Day 7 Consecutive hours sat Tablings 44.7 117 666 Words Spoken** in the House and Committees 5,060,538

Hours in Hours in Committee Meetings Session Committee 454.3 154 78

*Total number of days that the Assembly sat irrespective of the number of sittings that took place each day. **Total number of words transcribed into the official Alberta Hansard record

Annual Report 2019‑2020 33 34 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Legislative Assembly Office FINANCIAL STATEMENTS March 31, 2020

Financial Statements 35

Independent Auditor’s Report 36

Statement of Operations 39

Statement of Financial Position 40

Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets 41

Statement of Cash Flows 42

Notes to the Financial Statements 43

Schedule 1 Expenses - Directly Incurred Detailed by Object 48

Schedule 2 Salary and Benefits Disclosure 49

Annual Report 2019‑2020 35 36 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 37 38 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 39 40 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 41 42 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 43 44 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 45 46 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 47 48 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Annual Report 2019‑2020 49 MEMBERS OF THE 30TH LEGISLATURE

HON. LEELA SHARON AHEER TRACY L. ALLARD MICKEY K. AMERY JACKIE ARMSTRONG- Chestermere-Strathmore Grande Prairie -Cross HOMENIUK Cypress-Medicine Hat UCP UCP UCP Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville UCP Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and UCP Status of Women

DERON BILOUS JONATHON CARSON HON. NATHAN M. COOPER HON. JASON C. COPPING Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview Edmonton-West Henday Calgary-Buffalo Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills Calgary-Varsity NDP NDP NDP UCP UCP Official Opposition House Leader (to Speaker Minister of Labour and Immigration 01/27/2020); Official Opposition Deputy House Leader (from 01/27/2020)

LORNE DACH HON. Edmonton-McClung Edmonton-South Edmonton-Meadows Innisfail-Sylvan Lake Edmonton-North West NDP NDP NDP UCP NDP Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Official Opposition Whip

MIKE ELLIS HON. KATHLEEN T. GANLEY SHANE C. GETSON Calgary-West Edmonton-Rutherford Calgary-Peigan Calgary-Mountain View Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland UCP NDP UCP NDP UCP Government Whip Minister of Economic Development, Official Opposition Deputy House Leader Trade and Tourism (from 01/27/2020)

50 Legislative Assembly of Alberta MEMBERS OF THE 30TH LEGISLATURE

MICHAELA L. GLASGO HON. Brooks-Medicine Hat Strathcona-Sherwood Park Edmonton-Castle Downs Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche Calgary-Fish Creek UCP UCP NDP UCP UCP Minister of Service Alberta Parliamentary Secretary Responsible for Alberta’s Francophonie

CHRISTINA GRAY PETER F. GUTHRIE DAVID B. HANSON NATE S. HORNER Edmonton-Mill Woods Airdrie-Cochrane -Cold Lake-St. Paul Edmonton-Glenora Drumheller-Stettler NDP UCP UCP NDP UCP Official Opposition Deputy House Leader (from 01/27/2020)

HON. GRANT R. HUNTER MATT JONES HON. JASON KENNEY, PC Taber-Warner Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood Calgary-Glenmore Calgary-South East Calgary-Lougheed UCP NDP UCP UCP UCP Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction Official Opposition Deputy Whip Premier; President of Executive Council; Minister of Intergovernmental Relations

HON. ADRIANA LAGRANGE MARTIN M. LONG JACQUELINE LOVELY Red Deer-North Central Peace-Notley Camrose Edmonton-Ellerslie UCP UCP UCP UCP NDP Minister of Education

Annual Report 2019‑2020 51 MEMBERS OF THE 30TH LEGISLATURE

HON. HON. HON. RIC MCIVER NICHOLAS MILLIKEN HON. Calgary-Foothills Edmonton-South West Calgary-Hays Calgary-Currie Morinville-St. Albert UCP UCP UCP UCP UCP Associate Minister of Mental Health and Minister of Municipal Affairs Minister of Transportation; Deputy Deputy Chair of Committees Associate Minister of Natural Gas Addictions Government House Leader and Electricity

NATHAN T. NEUDORF HON. DEMETRIOS CHRISTIAN E. NIELSEN HON. JEREMY P. NIXON Lethbridge-East NICOLAIDES Edmonton-Decore Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House- Calgary-Klein UCP Calgary-Bow NDP Sundre UCP UCP UCP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Minister of Advanced Education Minister of Environment and Parks; Community and Social Services Government House Leader

RACHEL NOTLEY RONALD ORR HON. Edmonton-Strathcona Lacombe-Ponoka Edmonton-Whitemud Calgary-Edgemont Lethbridge-West NDP UCP NDP UCP NDP Leader of the Official Opposition Minister of Infrastructure

ANGELA D. PITT HON. ROGER W. REID MARIE F. RENAUD Airdrie-East Calgary-Beddington Lesser Livingstone-Macleod St. Albert UCP UCP UCP UCP NDP Deputy Speaker; Chair of Committees Minister of Seniors and Housing

52 Legislative Assembly of Alberta MEMBERS OF THE 30TH LEGISLATURE

MIRANDA D. ROSIN HON. Banff-Kananaskis Vermilion-Lloydminster- Leduc-Beaumont Calgary-McCall Calgary-North West UCP Wainwright UCP NDP UCP UCP Minister of Energy; Deputy Government House Leader

HON. JOSEPH R. SCHOW HON. HON. Calgary-North East Edmonton-Gold Bar Cardston-Siksika Calgary-Shaw Calgary-Elbow UCP NDP UCP UCP UCP Minister of Community and Deputy Government Whip Minister of Children’s Services Minister of Justice and Solicitor General; Social Services Deputy Government House Leader

HON. DAVID SHEPHERD R.J. SIGURDSON Calgary-Acadia Edmonton-City Centre Edmonton-Riverview Highwood Calgary-East UCP NDP NDP UCP UCP Minister of Health

MARK W. SMITH HEATHER SWEET HON. Drayton Valley-Devon Red Deer-South Edmonton-Manning Grande Prairie-Wapiti Calgary-Falconridge UCP UCP NDP UCP UCP Official Opposition Deputy House Leader President of Treasury Board; (to 01/27/2020); Official Opposition Minister of Finance House Leader (from 01/27/2020) Annual Report 2019‑2020 53 MEMBERS OF THE 30TH LEGISLATURE

SEARLE TURTON JORDAN WALKER DAN D.A. WILLIAMS HON. RICK D. WILSON Spruce Grove-Stony Plain Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock Sherwood Park Peace River Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin UCP UCP UCP UCP UCP Minister of Indigenous Relations

TANY YAO Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo Calgary-North UCP UCP Parliamentary Secretary of Immigration

54 Legislative Assembly of Alberta CONFERENCES

COMMONWEALTH • Sarah Hoffman, MLA for NATIONAL Edmonton-Glenora WOMEN • , MLA for CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS Edmonton-Mill Woods STATE LEGISLATURES

(CWP) OUTREACH Business Sessions (NCSL) LEGISLATIVE

PROGRAM Monday, July 15, 2019 SUMMIT HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA • Adoption of Minutes of CWP: NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Canadian Regional Conference JULY 12 TO 13, 2019 AUGUST 5 TO 8, 2019 • Chair’s Report: Activities Report Delegate and Budget Review 2018-2019 Delegates • Work Plan and Budget 2019-20 • Angela Pitt, Deputy Speaker • Strengthening Funding 2019 • R.J. Sigurdson, MLA for and Chair of Committees, MLA • Campaign School Framework Highwood for Airdrie-East • The Six Signature Traits of • , MLA for Inclusive Leadership Drumheller-Stettler • Inclusive Workplace and Hiring • Mike Ellis, MLA for Calgary-West COMMONWEALTH Practice • Nicole Goehring, MLA for PARLIAMENTARY • Ready, Set, Action: Next Edmonton-Castle Downs Practices in Inclusion • Heather Sweet, MLA for ASSOCIATION (CPA) Edmonton-Manning CANADIAN REGIONAL Tuesday, July 16, 2019 CONFERENCE AND • Children in Care Business Sessions • Carbon Tax/Climate Change CWP CONFERENCE Monday, August 5, 2019 Thursday, July 18, 2019 • Living to 100 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA • Listening to the Forest: Forestry • All About the Census • A Proactive Approach to School JULY 14 TO 20, 2019 Practices for the 21st Century Safety and Beyond Delegates • Representation: Identities, Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Equalities and Pluralities • Honourable Nathan M. • Navigating Criminal Justice Cooper, Speaker, MLA for Olds- Friday, July 19, 2019 Reform Didsbury-Three Hills • The Notwithstanding Clause • Disrupting Incivility • Angela Pitt, Deputy Speaker • Cannabis Legislation and • Redistricting Basics and Chair of Committees, MLA • First Down: Sports Betting in Administration for Airdrie-East • The Advent and Impact of the States • , MLA for Fort • No Time to Lose: States Negative Campaigning McMurray-Wood Buffalo • Dress Code in Parliament Transforming Their Education • David Hanson, MLA for Systems Bonnyville -Cold Lake-St. Paul

Annual Report 2019‑2020 55 Wednesday, August 7, 2019 • The 50th Anniversary of Thursday, September 26, 2019 • Family First Prevention Services Canada’s Official Languages Act • Talk -show Panel: Climate Act: Reforming Foster Care • Preservation of Francophone Change, Achievements, • Every Presentation Must Tell a Culture and Heritage in a Challenges and Efficacy of Story Minority Situation Parliament Interventions (Host • A New World: Blockchain and • Promoting Linguistic Duality Branch) What It Means for the Digital Tuesday, August 13 • TED Talk: Innovation in World Parliament; The Impact of • The Francophonie’s Cultural • Juicing Up for Electric Vehicles Science and Technology on Contributions • View from Rocky Top: How Parliament Works Today Tennessee’s Higher Education • Meeting of Society of Success COMMONWEALTH Clerkst -a -the-Table • Supreme Court Roundup • It’s a Cliché for a Reason: PARLIAMENTARY Friday, September 27, 2019 Demographics is Destiny CONFERENCE • Mentoring Session: The Role of Parliament in Facilitating Thursday, August 8, 2019 KAMPALA, UGANDA Persons with Disabilities as • Setting the States’ Agenda SEPTEMBER 22 TO 29, 2019 Electors, Candidates and • Adjusting Your Game Plan Legislators • Paying the Price: Strategies to Delegate • Youth Round-table: Control Health Care Costs Strategies to Deal with Youth • Moving Forward with • Honourable Nathan M. Cooper, Unemployment Autonomous Vehicles Speaker • Talk -show Panel: Combating Rapid Urbanization and Rural Business Sessions Decline, a Challenge for the ASSEMBLÉE Monday, September 23, 2019 Commonwealth • Meeting of Society of PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA • Meeting of Regional Secretaries Clerkst -a -the-Table • Steering Committee Meeting FRANCOPHONIE (APF) • TED Talk: Innovation in • Small Branches Steering REGIONAL ASSEMBLY Parliament, the Possible Effects Committee of the United Kingdom ‘Brexit’ OF THE AMERICAS • Business Meeting/Elections on Small Branches (Falkland • Small Branches Business Islands) VICTORIA, B.C. Meeting/Elections • Mentoring Session: Fostering a AUGUST 11 TO 14, 2019 • Co -ordinating Committee Culture of Respect, Fairness and Meeting followed by the Audit Dignity; Sexual Harassment Has Delegates Subcommittee meeting, CPA No Place in Legislatures Working Group Meeting • Dan Williams, MLA for Peace • The Role of Parliament in River Tuesday, September 24, 2019 the Doctrine of Separation • , MLA for St. • Main Executive Committee of Powers: Enhancing Albert Meeting Transparency and • , MLA for • Finance Subcommittee Accountability Edmonton-McClung Meeting • Meeting of Society of Clerkst -a -the-Table Business Sessions • Planning and Review Subcommittee Meeting • CPA Lecture Topic: Maintaining Monday, August 12 Stability, Evolution, Dynamics • Conference of Branch Chairs of Wednesday, September 25, 2019 and Challenges of Terrorism in the America Region • Main Executive Committee Eastern Africa Meeting (continued)

56 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Saturday, September 28, 2019 WESTMINSTER • Nicholas Milliken, Deputy Chair of Committees, MLA for • Postlegislative Scrutiny (PLS): SEMINAR A Dimension of the Oversight Calgary -Currie Function of Parliament: How LONDON, Business Sessions Is This Represented within UNITED KINGDOM Different Political Systems? Friday, January 24, 2020 NOVEMBER 25 TO 19, 2019 • Talk -show Panel: How the • Challenges Facing a New Updated CPA Benchmarks for Speaker: An Orientation in the Delegates Democratic Legislatures Have Chair Been Used to Strengthen the • Whitney Issik, MLA for • Presiding Over a House with a Capacity of CPA Legislatures Calgary -Glenmore Minority Government • Jasvir Deol, MLA for • Speaker’s Initiatives CPA CANADIAN Edmonton-Meadows (round -table) • Presenter: Honourable REGIONAL SEMINAR Nathan M. Cooper, Speaker CONFERENCE of the Legislative Assembly VICTORIA, B.C. OF SPEAKERS of Alberta OCTOBER 17 TO 20, 2019 AND PRESIDING • Transparency of Internal Management Committees: Delegates OFFICERS OF THE What Should the Public See? • Jackie Armstrong- COMMONWEALTH Saturday, January 25, 2020 Homeniuk, MLA for Fort OTTAWA, ONTARIO Saskatchewan-Vegreville • Approving the Budgets and • Rakhi Pancholi, MLA for JANUARY 6 TO 10, 2020 Salaries of Legislative Officers Edmonton-Whitemud • Arming Security Delegate • Chair: Angela Pitt, Deputy Business Sessions • Honourable Nathan M. Speaker of the Legislative Friday, October 18 Cooper, Speaker, MLA for Olds- Assembly of Alberta • Indigenous Languages Didsbury-Three Hills • Canadian Speakers’ Association • Interparliamentary Relations Meeting and Strategies: Opportunities and Best Practices PRESIDING OFFICERS’

Saturday, October 19 CONFERENCE • Changing the Dial: Reforming HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA the Culture of Parliament JANUARY 23 TO 26, 2020 • Strengthening Democratic Institutions Delegates • Access to Information and Disclosure: Building • Honourable Nathan M. Parliamentary Transparency Cooper, Speaker, MLA for Olds- • Respectful Workplace Policies: Didsbury-Three Hills Checking In, Challenges and • Angela Pitt, Deputy Speaker Successes in Parliamentary and Chair of Committees, MLA Institutions for Airdrie-East

Annual Report 2019‑2020 57 APPENDIX PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE (WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION) ACT

No disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act were received by the LAO’s designated officer in 2019-20.

58 Legislative Assembly of Alberta