OLDS - Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA Nathan Cooper has been re-elected speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
The election came by way of secret ballot in the legislature on June 20.
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner nominated Cooper to the position.
Cooper previously served as speaker from 2019 to 2023. He was re-elected to a third term as MLA on May 29.
NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley nominated Christina Grey, the NDP MLA for Mill Woods.
Grey and Cooper were the only two MLAs nominated for the position. The number of votes Cooper and Grey received was not made public.
The speaker plays an important role in government as head of the legislative branch, said Cooper.
Immediately following his election, Cooper addressed the new legislature, made up of 87 MLAs.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for placing your trust in me to serve as the speaker of the 31st legislature of the great province of Alberta,” he said.
“My hope for us is that your debates will be vigorous, thoughtful and amicable. We now set the standard for those who come after us. May we to not take this duty or calling lightly. Together we have an incredible opportunity and responsibility.
“It is with a servant’s heart that I seek to serve this assembly, to uphold the high standards of those who have come before, and to protect the rights and privileges of all members in the assembly and to do my part to make Alberta a better place.”
During his address, Cooper also referred to the residents of his riding.
“I wish to send my greatest and deepest thank yous to the outstanding constituents of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills for placing their trust back in me to make this afternoon an opportunity,” he said.
According to the Legislative Assembly website, the speaker has a dual role that includes both 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.
As well, the speaker maintains orderly debate in the chamber as part of their procedural role and ensures that MLAs conduct their business according to parliamentary rules, which are the Standing Orders of the Assembly.
The speaker does not participate in caucus meetings during session and cannot engage in debate in the assembly.
The speaker also receives official guests of the province such as high commissioners and ambassadors.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include the correct date of the 2023 provincial general election.
