The Hon. Murray Scott, MLA | Key Responsibilities

What does an MLA do?

MLA's (Member of the Legislative Assembly) are elected by residents over the age of 18 in a given constituency to represent their individual and community issues and interests in the Nova Scotia government.

Murray Scott is an active community leader responsible for protecting these interests in addition to advancing ideas that will bring benefit to his constituents and Cumberland South. In addition to being an MLA, Murray Scott also participates in other areas of government:

As the Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly

As a member of the Legislative Commitee on Assembly Matters

Speaker of the House

The Speaker is the presiding Officer of the House of the Assembly. He presides over Assembly proceedings maintaining order, regulating debate in accordance with the rules and practices of the House, and ensures that all viewpoints have the opportunity of a hearing. The Speaker does not take part in the debates of the Assembly and only takes part in a vote to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. He is the guardian of the privileges of the Assembly and protects the rights of its Members.

Outside the Chamber, the Speaker is the only representative of the House and the sole embodiment of its prestige and authority. The Speaker has jurisdiction over all matters concerning Province House. He is the Chair of the Legislature Internal Economy Board, the body responsible for regulating services to Members.

The Speaker decides questions of order and rules on questions of privilege after allowing appropriate debate. Decisions of the Speaker are not debatable or subject to appeal except by a substantive motion after proper notice has been given.

Legislative Committees

Legislative Committees are working groups created by the Nova Scotia Legislature made up of MLA's from all parties to review proposed legislation. The committee system allows for detailed examination of matters in a manner which would not be possible in the larger House and also allows members of the public to have direct input into the parliamentary process by making submissions and attending public hearings.

Mr. Scott is currently a member of the Special Committee for Assembly Matters.

Visit the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly for more information on this and all other Legislative Committees, including details of upcoming meetings where applicable within each committee page.