Supporting Offices
Legislatures operate within a network of offices and organizations. Some of these are under the authority of the Speaker, while others are independent officers or commissioners who interact with or report to their legislative assemblies.
Together, these individuals and offices manage the functions needed for a working legislature. In Nova Scotia, these tasks include managing an historic building; planning and preparing for events including sittings of the House; providing building security; recording and transcribing debates; operating legislative committees; drafting and publishing bills and statutes; providing library services; managing website and social media; and administrating staff and offices.
Some roles and functions are based on centuries old Commonwealth parliamentary tradition while others are quite new. In Nova Scotia, work of the supporting offices may be regulated by legislation, the Rules and Forms of Procedure of the House of Assembly, local practice, or any combination of these.
Here you can find information about the purpose, roles, operations and contacts of each office.
Offices under the authority of the Speaker
The Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly has authority over the following offices and officers.
- Clerk
- Hansard
- House Operations
- Legislative Committees
- Legislative Counsel
- Legislative Library
- Legislative Television Broadcasting Services
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- Speaker’s Administration Office
Independent offices
These offices and officers are independent of the House of Assembly. The Ombudsman, Auditor General and Chief Electoral Officer are officers of the House of Assembly and must report on their activities every year to the House. The Conflict of Interest Commissioner is appointed by government. Each operates under legislation that sets out their functions and authority.
