Parliamentary Officials

The officials seated at the centre table when the House is sitting are referred to as the table officers or Clerks-at-the-Table. They include:

1. Clerk of the House of Assembly;
2. Principal Clerk of Committees;
3. Principal Clerk of Proceedings and Information Services; and
4. Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.

Clerk of the House of Assembly

The Clerk is appointed in accordance with section 7 of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act. As the non-partisan chief permanent officer of the House of Assembly, the Clerk exercises responsibilities as chief parliamentary advisor and chief administrative officer of the Legislative branch.

As chief parliamentary advisor, the Clerk provides specialized expert parliamentary advice on a confidential and non-partisan basis to the Speaker, other presiding officers and all Members by interpreting the Constitution, the House of Assembly Act, the Standing Orders, and conventions, precedents and usages of the House. The Clerk is also responsible for the preparation of the Order Paper and the minutes of the proceedings of the House (Journals), and for ensuring the safekeeping of papers and records of the Assembly.

As chief administrative officer, the Clerk is responsible for the provision of administrative, financial, human resource and other support services to Legislative branch, its Members and the statutory offices. In this capacity, the Clerk is also a member of and Secretary to the House of Assembly Management Commission.

Principal Clerk of Committees

As a principal table officer of the House, the Principal Clerk of Committees works with the Clerk in providing specialized expert parliamentary advice and interpretation on a confidential and non-partisan basis to the Speaker, other presiding officers and all Members. The Principal Clerk of Committees is the chief committee clerk and procedural advisor for Standing and Select Committees of the House, responsible for all parliamentary, administrative and logistical functions required for Committees to effectively fulfill their mandates. The position also provides expert advice and services in the areas of:

• strategic communications and media relations;
• policy planning, analysis and development, including secretariat support services to facilitate work of the House of Assembly Management Commission and Audit Committee;
• visitor services, outreach and public education;
• orientation and training development and facilitation; and
• special events planning and coordination.

In accordance with the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, the position can be delegated to perform the parliamentary and administrative duties of the Clerk when the Clerk is absent or unable to act.

Principal Clerk of Proceedings and Information Services

As a principal table officer of the House, the Principal Clerk of Proceedings and Information Services works with the Clerk in providing specialized expert parliamentary advice and interpretation on a confidential and non-partisan basis to the Speaker, other presiding officers and all Members. The Principal Clerk of Proceedings and Information Services also:

• researches parliamentary procedure and conventions;
• ensures proceedings are accurately documented, particularly in the Journal and Hansard;
• ensures sessional papers are preserved and accessible;
• ensures Members have the information they need to do their work by overseeing the collection, information and research services provided by the Legislative Library;
• ensures the records of the House of Assembly Service are managed appropriately.

In accordance with the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, the position can be delegated to perform the parliamentary and administrative duties of the Clerk when the Clerk is absent or unable to act.

Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel

As a principal table officer of the House, the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel works with the Clerk in providing specialized expert parliamentary advice and interpretation on a confidential and non-partisan basis to the Speaker, other presiding officers and all Members. The Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel also offers legal and procedural advice, as follows:

• Parliamentary legal advice to the Speaker and the Clerk, particularly as it relates to parliamentary privilege;
• Parliamentary legal advice to all Members of the House regardless of party affiliation. This includes vetting and drafting of amendments to Bills and resolutions, and assisting Members in the preparation of private Members' motions and amendments; and
• Legal advice as corporate counsel to Speaker, Clerk, Management Commission and House of Assembly Service.

In accordance with the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, the position can be delegated to perform the parliamentary and administrative duties of the Clerk when the Clerk is absent or unable to act, and is secretary to the House of Assembly Audit Committee.

Sergeant-at-Arms

The Sergeant-at-Arms preserves order and maintains security in the parliamentary precinct, including the galleries, corridors and the Chamber, and is responsible for safekeeping of the Mace. The Sergeant-at-Arms also leads the Speaker's parade, which signifies the ceremonial opening of each sitting day.