Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
as well as Assembly Standing Committees, the SpecialStanding Committee and the Ethics Commissioner andOmbudsman Select Special Search Committee. Budgetrequirement preparation and committee expenditurereconciliation were also handled by HCS along with theproduction of the Order Paper and Votes and Proceedings,Journals and maintenance of House and committee recordsfor historical purposes. Also under the purview of HCS wasthe timely preparation of scripts for daily session andceremonies.
Online ServicesIn collaboration with ISS, HRS initiated a review of onlinepension reporting processes to facilitate the move frommanual to online submission of pension-related documentsand premiums.
The Alberta Electronic Government Document Archive hasbeen expanded to include 1,069 titles. This archive isaccessible through the Library Services’ online catalogue,which was also upgraded in 2003. At the fall informationsession, Library Services officially launched its ScrapbookHansard online. The digitized newspaper articles provideaccounts of the proceedings during Alberta’s first Legislature.Plans to complete the digitization for the second throughfifth Legislatures by 2005 are in place.
Online congratulatory scroll request services have beenenhanced to allow the ordering of all provincial scrolls withthe click of a mouse. This service was a joint venturebetween Public Information Branch (PIB) and ISS and willbe available for use in January 2004.
The reservation system for the Chamber has been automatedto allow Legislative Assembly Security Services access to allreservation lists compiled through Visitor Services andcalculate seating availability in the Public Galleries instantly.This initiative by VCSS and ISS will also allow for moreaccurate and timely statistics.
Online ordering of stationery and an online personal expenseclaim form were set up by Financial Management andAdministrative Services (FMAS). As well, online claim formsfor MLA temporary residence allowances, MLA transporta-tion allowances and the online supplies ordering system wereupdated.
Redesign of the Assembly documents and records pages tofacilitate easier navigation was made possible due to thecollaboration of HCS, PIB and ISS. As well, the ISYS helppages were reformatted to make searching easier. All Hansarddocuments for 2003 are now available in PDF format online.
Systems and EquipmentThe audio system was upgraded by ISS to allow for digitalrecording of Chamber audio. This will increase the accuracyand efficiency of House records by making audio cassettes,used by PIB to produce Hansard, unnecessary. Also, theintroduction of video streaming of Oral Question Periodallows the public to now view the proceedings online.
The Point of Sale (POS) System in the Legislative AssemblyGift Shop was enhanced and the migration of telephonelines, equipment, services and billing from Telus to Bell wassuccessfully completed by FMAS.
HCS began updating the data bank of decisions by theSpecial Standing Committee on Members’ Services, andFinancial Management and Administrative Services (FMAS)updated and enhanced the database for and reporting ofMLA fuel purchases and kilometres claimed.
FacilitiesVCSS provided Member and spectator security in thegalleries during session and site preparations for events heldin and around the Legislature, pedway and InterpretiveCentre.
KKeeyy RReessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy AArreeaa 33
Provision of an effective workplace to supportMembers
PolicyIn order to foster the continued cooperation of branches andsupport an atmosphere of teamwork, in 2003 several multi-branch committees were struck. These committees werecreated to resolve issues relating to the vision and mission ofthe organization, security screening and uniform policies.
New job descriptions reflecting the LAO’s emphasis onmeasuring performance were developed by HRS. Health andsafety were priorities. HRS coordinated a flu shot programand handwashing campaign. As well safety by prevention wassupported through the ergonomic program. Library Servicesworked with HRS to plan for improved ergonomicworkstations for library staff in the Legislature Building.
VCSS continued involvement on the Security CoordinationCommittee to discuss and coordinate security issues related
Legislative Assembly Office 11
KKeeyy RReessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy AArreeaa 11
Provision of timely, professional, impartial, accurateinformation and advice to Members
InformationThe various branches of the LAO worked together toprovide information sessions to constituency office staff. Thisyear, the spring session was held in Red Deer and topics suchas interpersonal communications, records management,computer training and Workers Compensation BoardServices were covered. The fall session, held in Edmonton,highlighted issues dealing with Library services, Legislatureprograms, searching Hansard, effective communications,House services and security.
In another joint effort, the Information TechnologyManagement Committee, which consists of LAOmanagement and caucus directors, began quarterly meetingsto keep everyone up to date and establish informationtechnology priorities.
The National Post was added to the Alberta Daily News(ADN) Service and Ottawa Scan was added to the LegislativeAlert Services. As well, at the Annual Spring Tea, SpeakerKowalski announced on behalf of Library Services theaddition of Canada Channel, Canadian Almanac andDirectory and the Oxford English Dictionary to the onlineresources. Library Services also produced bibliographiescovering current topics such as mad cow disease (BSE),freedom of information and privacy and public-privatepartnerships. An inventory of the weekly newspapers fromBarrhead, Bruderheim, Cereal, Delia, Glendon, Manning,Mundare and Smoky River is complete, and the papers arenow being microfilmed.
House and Committee Services (HCS) updated andcirculated the Practical Guide to Committees to committeechairs and deputy chairs. As well, the Standing Orders of theAssembly and Members’ Services Committee Orders wereamended.
AdviceParliamentary Counsel provided legal counsel and proceduraladvice to the Speaker, other presiding officers, Members andcommittees of the Assembly. As well, in cooperation with theClerk Assistant and the Procedural Clerk, they reviewedamendments, Private Members’ motions, motions forreturns, written questions and petitions.
Security counsel to constituency offices, both over the phoneand in person, was provided by Visitor, Ceremonial andSecurity Services (VCSS).
Human Resource Services (HRS) provided advice andassistance to Members in all aspects of HR functionsincluding working closely with Members and Managers toassess performance issues and identify options and methodsfor problem resolution.
KKeeyy RReessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy AArreeaa 22
Provision of services, equipment, supplies andfacilities on a timely basis
General ServicesThe fixed asset listings were consolidated by InformationSystems Services (ISS). In addition, bar codes wereintroduced to identify components and facilitate accuratetracking.
During the ‘Choice Point’ in July 2003 HRS administeredupgrades to the flexible benefit plans for Members and staffparticipating in the Members’ Choice and First Choice plans.In addition, HRS partnered with Alberta Blue Cross todevelop a brochure outlining Member coverage for dentaland health benefits.
Recruitment and retention of an effective workforceremained a high priority. HRS staff screened over 940resumés and interviewed 177 applicants for 29 competitionsfor salaried and sessional positions.
The Communications unit within the Clerk’s Officeperformed a communications audit, which included bothgroup meetings and individual interviews with management.Based on the information gathered during the audit, abroad-based communications plan was created to providedirection for the unit in meeting LAO needs. Severaltracking systems for printing, advertising and budgeting weredeveloped along with a project list and an action plantemplate to assist with project planning. The communica-tions unit completed 175 projects during the course of 2003.Most of those projects involved assisting the branches of theLAO with promoting services, programs and events.
Parliamentary Counsel monitored legal actions affecting theLegislative Assembly and defended the interests of theAssembly as required. As well, they provided legal services tothe Chief Electoral Officer, drafted 18 Private Members’Public Bills and reviewed an array of contracts and agree-ments dealing with licensing, leasing, employment and feefor service.
House and Committee Services (HCS) provided proceduralresearch and support to the House and other Table Officers
10 2003 Annual Report
Legislative Assembly Office 13
to the Legislature Building and surrounding areas. Thiscommittee is a joint effort of the LAO, the Alberta SolicitorGeneral and Alberta Infrastructure.
Skill DevelopmentSupport for skill development and learning continued withover 40 staff attending various courses and seminars offeredthrough HRS. In addition, 70 employees received first aidtraining.
Community InitiativesThe LAO supported Alberta’s beef industry by providingemployees access to the Great Canadian Cattle Drive, inwhich HRS organized advance payment for the purchase ofbeef products.
The Legislative Assembly Office was proud to againparticipate in activities to support the community throughthe United Way. In 2003, several exciting and creative ideaswere initiated to raise money, but one idea—a swimsuitcalendar project—stands out. In this initiative staff membersfrom both the LAO and constituency offices, as well asMembers of the Assembly, dressed up in period bathingcostumes and posed against the majestic backdrop of theLegislature grounds. This initiative earned a nomination fora United Way Spirit award.
Approximately 20 staff members from various branches ofthe LAO participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure. The“Dometrotters” ran or walked to raise money for breastcancer research.
KKeeyy RReessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy AArreeaa 44
Provision of support to maintain and develop theparliamentary system in Alberta
EventsVarious branches of the LAO worked together to plan,organize, promote and execute several events held on thegrounds, within the pedway and also in the Chamber of theLegislature Building. In addition, two new exhibits were dis-played in the Interpretive Centre to portray the historybehind the roles of the Speaker of the Assembly and theLieutenant Governor.
OutreachHCS and HRS conducted final interviews on behalf of theHouse of Commons Page Program. Our own Page Programattracted 22 applicants to fill seven positions. The PageProgram provides high school students with opportunitiesfor self development and promotes involvement by Alberta’syouth in the parliamentary system.
All branches of the LAO as well as Members of the Assemblyand their staff have taken active roles in supporting andparticipating in the School-at-the-Legislature program. In2003, 673 students participated in the week-long program.
A new outreach program called MLA for a Day wasdeveloped in 2003 to provide high school students withinsight into a typical day for an MLA. Highlights of theprogram include one-on-one time with their respectiveMLA, a mock debate, information sessions withrepresentatives from each caucus, staff from the press galleryand the LAO, and observation of Oral Question Period.
PublicationsSeveral documents were created in 2003 to educate thepublic and promote the parliamentary system in Alberta.Both the English as a Second Language Field Trip Guide and acomprehensive brochure entitled Open for You to Discover,produced to promote all LAO programs and services, werejoint ventures between VCSS and the communications unit.
Parliamentary Counsel continued their participation as theAlberta correspondents for the Canadian ParliamentaryReview and, in collaboration with HCS, the Table Review,and VCSS produced the Fifth annual Sergeant-at-Armsnewsletter to be distributed throughout Canada and theCommonwealth.
AssociationsThe LAO is actively involved in national and internationalassociations that not only support and maintain theparliamentary system in Alberta but also provide theopportunity for skill development and contact with peers.
Library Services began planning to host the 2004 Associationof Parliamentary Librarians in Canada (APLIC) Conferenceto be held, for the first time in over 20 years, in Alberta nextyear. As well, PIB has received acceptance of their invitationto the Hansard Association of Canada and theCommonwealth Hansard Editors Association to hold theircombined conference in Edmonton in 2005.
12 2003 Annual Report
House and Committee Services Comparative Statistics
2003Third Session
25th Legislature
2002Second Session25th Legislature
2001First Session
25th Legislature
Day Sittings (Hours) SpringFall
46 (256)10 (65)
37 (206)10 (50)
25 (91)11 (41)
Evening Sittings (Hours)SpringFall
31 (87)8 (25)
26 (67)6 (14)
17 (61)8 (13)
Government BillsIntroducedReceived Royal Assent
5755
3937
3131
Private BillsIntroducedReceived Royal Assent
22
11
44
Private Members’ Public BillsIntroducedReceived Royal Assent
185
164
163
Government MotionsDebatedAgreed toWithdrawn
28240
34310
22210
Private Members’ MotionsPlaced on Order PaperAccepted RejectedWithdrawn
64921
54640
52620
Written QuestionsPlaced on Order PaperAcceptedRejectedWithdrawn
321410
9630
7240
Motions for ReturnsPlaced on Order PaperAcceptedRejectedWithdrawn
35770
9540
182
150
Legislative Assembly Office 1514 2003 Annual Report
House and Committee Services Comparative Statistics (continued)
2003Third Session
25th Legislature
2002Second Session25th Legislature
2001First Session
25th Legislature
Committee of Supply (Days)Main EstimatesLottery FundSupplementary
15N/A
2
16N/A
2
1512
Tablings 919 755 613
Petitions (Excluding Private Bills)PresentedRead and Received
67N/A
62N/A
4223
Recognitions 187 154 110
Members’ Statements 119 100 71
Ministerial Statements 12 13 5
Pages PublishedJournalsVotes and ProceedingsOrder Paper
664422465
540354352
473312411
House and Committee Services Comparative Statistics (continued)
Committee Name Number of Meetings
Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund 4
Standing Committee on Legislative Offices 4
Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services 2
Standing Committee on Private Bills 2
Standing Committee on Public Accounts 14
Select Special Ethics Commissioner and Ombudsman Search Committee 10
2003 2002 2001 2000
Equipment In PlaceConstituency Work Stations Constituency PrintersLAN Work StationsLAN Laser PrintersPrinters (Not Networked)ServersScannersLaptop Computers
14013519550
1051942
170
13813222950
1011741
158
10912018845n/a1622
143
10612417345n/a181898
Equipment ReplacedObsolete Work StationsObsolete Laser PrintersObsolete Laptop Computers
862031
81199
1902030
45160
TrainingTraining Days(1)
Regular TrainingISS Staff Technical Training
841123
755718
118n/an/a
34n/an/a
Help Desk CallsHelp Calls Logged 1,975 1,857 1,610 1,500
Information Systems Services Comparative Statistics
(1) Regular vs. technical training statistics only available since 2002.
Legislative Assembly Office 1716 2003 Annual Report
2003 2002 2001
Administrative:Constituency Offices, MovedConstituency Offices, NewConstituency Offices, ClosedLeases Processed (New or Renewals)Telecommunications Services Installed or MovedTelecommunications Services RequestsDirect Purchase Orders IssuedMLA Purchase Orders ProcessedOther Requests ProcessedSpecial Requests ProcessedSupplies Orders Processed
Online Ordering SystemManual
101
115
15090
5,5303,344
265
754253
300
1830
219115
5,6003,016
280
679229
2000
4671
406120
5,4002,670
320
n/an/a
Financial*:Invoices Coded and Data EnteredPayments Issued
17,67610,985
16,00310,504
18,14210,834
* Note: Financial statistics are now based on the fiscal year. 2003 represents April1, 2002, to March 31, 2003.
Financial Management and Administrative Services Comparative Statistics
Visitor, Ceremonial and Security Services Comparative Statistics
2003 2002 2001
Visitors to Legislature and Interpretive CentreVisitors on TourSpecial EventsCasualTotal Visitors
41,70054,45732,035
137,896
38,93665,60230,022
143,963
41,27350,57332,496
130,772
Tours and ProgramsRegular ToursVIP ToursEducational ProgramsPublic Service Orientation Tours
276520
47641
2,62318
34440
2,84610
4922
Gallery Seats Reserved 8,505 6,674 5,572
Volunteer Hours N/A 84 273
Gift Shop Sales $89,865 $99,473 $97,015
MLA Sales $245,408 $251,757 $220,466
Legislative Assembly Office 19
2003 2002
Public Information and Subscr iptionsPublic Information CallsCongratulatory ScrollsPaid Subscriptions
Daily Hansard Hansard Bound VolumesBills, VotesJournals
Complimentary IssuesDaily HansardHansard Bound VolumesBills, Votes Order Paper
Hansard Index and Online InquiriesWeb site Inquiries
6,5852,388
9531
240240
3301044253714187
6,5592,586
11833
245245
3351014253793951
Hansard StatisticsHansard PagesStanding and Special Committees
Meetings ReportedMeeting HoursTranscript Pages
2,104
2835
278
1,724
3779
626
Electoral Boundaries CommissionMeetings ReportedMeeting HoursTranscript Pages
---
1957
408
Total Hansard and Committee Transcript Pages 2,382 2,758
MiscellaneousSpeaker Interviews (Library Project)
Interviews ReportedInterview HoursTranscript Pages
196
47
Speech Reprints Issued 236 145
Users of Hansard Display in Interpretive CentreNumber of Quizzes TakenNumber of Transcriptions Done
828940
665650
Public Information Branch Comparative Statistics
18 2003 Annual Report
2003 2002 2001
Total Number of Volumes in the Collection 381,616 358,273 334,407
Items Borrowed for use Outside the Library 5,025 4,484 4,567
Items Used On-site 7,848 6,021 3,472
Number of Sessional Papers Added to the Collection 919 755 613
Number of Requests Requiring Less than 15 Minutes to Complete 3,228 3,490 4,284
Number of Requests Requiring 15 Minutes to One Hour to Complete 801 834 663
Number of Requests Requiring More Than One Hour to Complete 247 151 102
MLA/LAO Usage of the Library’s Internet Site 22,885 19,974 12,457
Number of Times the Online Catalogue was Accessed Remotely 184,330* 144,568* 8,019
Number of Inter-library Loan Requests from Members and Staff 376 123 275
Library Services Comparative Statistics
*The 2002 and 2003 figures include the number of searches of the Legislature Library’s holdings accessed through The Alberta Library catalogue.
Legislative Assembly Office 2120 2003 Annual Report
Estimates Chart
2002–2003 2001–2002Human Resource Expenses
Earnings*
Employer ContributionsAllowances and Supplementary BenefitsSubtotal
$7,655,0001,451,000
204,5009,310,500
$7,463,5001,278,700
187,5008,929,700
Operational ExpensesTravelAdvertisingInsurancePostage and FreightOffice Equipment Rental/PurchaseTelecommunicationsEquipment Repairs and MaintenanceOther Labour and ServicesData Processing Equipment and ServicesHostingOther Administration/SuppliesRentalsSubtotal
2,039,500137,000151,500159,600961,000812,80075,000
970,000822,000151,000
1,149,1004,000
7,432,500
1,970,000176,000147,500153,600929,100802,60071,000
1,364,000804,000142,000841,500
4,0007,405,300
Grants 3,000 3,000
Payments to Members of the Legislative Assembly 8,889,000 8,661,000
Members’ Services AllowancesConstituency Office AllowancesCommunication AllowancesPromotion AllowancesSubtotal
4,300,0001,218,000
336,0005,854,000
4,206,0001,192,000$333,0005,731,000
RevenuesFees and PermitsOther RevenueSubtotal
1,000448,000
(449,000)
1,000169,000
(170,000)
Fiscal Pressure ContingencyElection ContingencyTransition Allowance
Subtotal
607,0000
4,200,0004,807,000
00
4,200,0004,200,000
Total $35,847,000 $34,760,000
* Previously broken out into management and non-management; no longer presented in that manner in the LAOEstimates materials.
Archibald D. (Dick) JohnstonMarch 5, 1940 – June 25, 2003
Mr. Johnston was first elected to theLegislative Assembly in March 1975 andserved the constituency of Lethbridge-East forthe Progressive Conservative Party.
During his service, Mr. Johnston servedunder the following portfolios: Minister ofMunicipal Affairs, Minister of Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs, Minister ofAdvanced Education, Provincial Treasurer andMinister Responsible for FinancialInstitutions, including trust companies, creditunions and insurance companies. Mr.Johnston also served on the Select StandingCommittees on Privileges and Elections,Standing Orders and Printing, Public Affairsand Public Accounts.
Gordon TaylorJuly 20, 1910 – July 26, 2003
Originally under the Social Credit Party plat-form, on March 21, 1940, Mr. Taylor waselected to represent the Drumheller con-stituency. In 1975, he was re-elected in thesame riding as an Independent in support ofPeter Lougheed. He was the minister respon-sible for the following portfolios: Railwaysand Telephones, Highways and Transport,and Youth.
Mr. Taylor served on the Select StandingCommittees on Agriculture, Colonization,Immigration and Education; Law andRegulations; Municipal Law; Private Bills;Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders andPrinting; Public Accounts; Public Affairs;Railways, Telephones and Irrigation; and theAlberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Act.
He also served on the Special Committees ofAutomobile Insurance, RedistributionProcedure and Workers’ Compensation.
Mr. Taylor was a Member of Parliament forBow River from 1979 to 1984.
Lewis Mitchell (Mickey) ClarkNovember 26, 1923 – September 10, 2003
Mr. Clark was first elected as a Member forthe Progressive Conservative Party in theconstituency of Drumheller on March 14,1979, and served until 1986.
He served on the Select Standing Committeeson Law and Regulations, Private Bills, PublicAccounts and Public Affairs.
Richard Herbert (Herb) JamiesonApril 19, 1912 – September 15, 2003
Mr. Jamieson was elected June 18, 1959, andserved until May 9, 1963. During his years ofservice, he represented the constituency ofJasper West for the Social Credit Party.
He served on the Select Standing Committeeson Agriculture, Colonization, Immigrationand Education; Municipal Law; Privilegesand Elections, Standing Orders and Printing;and Railways, Telephones and Irrigation.
John McInnis October 19, 1950 – November 26, 2003
Mr McInnis was first elected to the AlbertaLegislature in the general election of March20, 1989, representing the New DemocratParty of the constituency of Edmonton JasperPlace.
During his service, Mr. McInnis served onthe Select Standing Committees on Members’Services; Public Affairs; and the SpecialCommittee on Constitutional Reform.
Former Members
His Excellency Ki Ho Chang, Ambassadorof the Republic of Korea, and associatesvisit Speaker Kowalski.
