Area MLA Nathan Cooper, newly re-elected speaker of the Legislative Assembly, says he intents to make sure his constituents’ voices are heard by government ministers over the next four years.
The MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, Cooper was elected speaker by MLAs in a secret ballot on June 20 after being re-elected to a third term as MLA on May 29.
The speaker does not participate in caucus meetings during session and cannot engage in debate in the assembly.
In light of those restrictions, Cooper says he plans to bring constituent concerns and issues directly to the attention of government ministers and others as needed.
“I will largely take the needs of constituents to the relevant minister and I’ve been very successful in getting the attention of government for our constituency and I believe that is part and parcel of the good relationships we’ve been able to build as the speaker,” Cooper told the Albertan.
“My role as speaker gives me the opportunity to build relationships with members of government, cabinet, and it also allows me to elevate the needs of our constituents and our region as a whole,” he said.
“I think there are lots of ways to get things accomplished for constituents, and speaking in the assembly is just one of them.”
Cooper was first elected MLA in 2015, followed by re-election in 2019 and 2023. He previously served as speaker from 2019 to 2023.
“I’m very pleased to be able to serve the good constituents of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and also be able to serve the assembly in an enhanced manner again,” he said.
The speaker’s roles include procedural duties within the House and executive leadership responsibilities for the Legislative Assembly Office, which is the entity established to assist in the conduct of the business and affairs of the Legislative Assembly.
