Members’ Guide Resources & Allowances May 2019 Members’ Guide to Resources & Allowances House of Assembly – Newfoundland & Labrador FEBRUARY 2021 This guide is intended to provide an overview of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (and Members’ Resources and Allowances Rules). Where there is a difference in interpretation between this guide and the Act (and Rules), the Act and regulations are the final authority. This version is dated February 2021 For the most current version, visit assembly.nl.ca/Members Members’ Guide to Resources & Allowances February 2021 Table of Contents Module 1 – Introduction to the House of Assembly ............................................................. 1-2 STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT ................................................................................................ 1-2 STRUCTURE OF LEGISLATURE .................................................................................................. 1-2 SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ................................................................................... 1-3 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ............................................................. 1-3 Composition ......................................................................................................................... 1-4 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SERVICE ................................................................................................ 1-5 Office of the Clerk ................................................................................................................. 1-5 Corporate & Members’ Services Division ............................................................................. 1-7 Information Management Division ...................................................................................... 1-8 STATUTORY OFFICES ................................................................................................................ 1-9 Office of the Auditor General ............................................................................................... 1-9 Office of the Child & Youth Advocate................................................................................. 1-10 Office of the Citizens’ Representative ................................................................................ 1-10 Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner ........................................................... 1-11 Office of the Chief Electoral Officer .................................................................................... 1-11 Commissioner for Legislative Standards ............................................................................ 1-11 Office of the Seniors’ Advocate .......................................................................................... 1-12 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY WEBSITE & INTRANET ........................................................................ 1-12 FACILITIES ............................................................................................................................... 1-12 Parliamentary Precinct ....................................................................................................... 1-13 Confederation Building Complex........................................................................................ 1-15 Module 2 – Conduct & Accountability of Members ............................................................. 2-1 House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity & Administration Act (HOAAIAA) ..................... 2-1 CONDUCT OF MEMBERS .......................................................................................................... 2-2 Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................... 2-2 Harassment-Free Workplace Policy Applicable to Complaints Against MHAs .................... 2-6 Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower) .......................................................................... 2-7 i Members’ Guide to Resources & Allowances February 2021 ACCOUNTABILITY ..................................................................................................................... 2-8 Expenses, Reimbursements & Payments to Members – Principles, Responsibility & Personal Liability ................................................................................................................................. 2-8 Restrictions on Allowances .................................................................................................. 2-9 Personal Donations .............................................................................................................. 2-9 Attendance at House of Assembly Sittings ........................................................................ 2-10 Code of Conduct Declaration ............................................................................................. 2-11 Harassment-Free Workplace Policy Declaration ............................................................... 2-11 Maintaining Records & Support Staff Training .................................................................. 2-11 Duties when the House of Assembly is not in Session ........................................................ 2-11 Declaration of Direct Associates & Conflict of Interest ...................................................... 2-12 Expense Reports & Disclosure ............................................................................................ 2-12 Oversight & Auditing .......................................................................................................... 2-14 Members’ Compensation Review Committee .................................................................... 2-15 Module 3 – Compensation & Benefits ................................................................................. 3-1 SALARY ..................................................................................................................................... 3-1 Additional Salaries – Parliamentary Office Holder Positions ............................................... 3-1 PENSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 3-2 GROUP INSURANCE ................................................................................................................. 3-2 SEVERANCE .............................................................................................................................. 3-3 RETIRING/OUTGOING MEMBERS ............................................................................................ 3-3 Related Legislation ................................................................................................................... 3-4 Contact Information ................................................................................................................. 3-4 Module 4 – Conducting Constituency Business & Constituency Office Operations ............... 4-1 CONDUCTING CONSTITUENCY BUSINESS (CONSTITUENCY ALLOWANCE) .............................. 4-1 Eligible Expenses .................................................................................................................. 4-1 Non-Eligible Expenses .......................................................................................................... 4-2 Restrictions ........................................................................................................................... 4-3 Related Legislation ............................................................................................................... 4-3 ii Members’ Guide to Resources & Allowances February 2021 Contact Information ............................................................................................................. 4-3 OFFICE SPACE ........................................................................................................................... 4-4 Location of Constituency Office ........................................................................................... 4-4 Acquiring & Organizing Office Space ................................................................................... 4-5 Changing Office Location ..................................................................................................... 4-6 Eligible Expenses for Office Space ........................................................................................ 4-6 Related Legislation ............................................................................................................... 4-7 Contact Information ............................................................................................................. 4-7 OFFICE RESOURCES .................................................................................................................. 4-8 Office Furniture, Equipment & Services ............................................................................... 4-8 Office Operations, Supplies & Communications ..................................................................... 4-8 Start-up Allowance ............................................................................................................. 4-10 Other Office Resources ....................................................................................................... 4-10 Information Technology Services & Supports ...................................................................