Legislators

Individuals at federal, provincial and local levels who have been elected to public office and develop, enact and emend laws that affect their constituents daily. Included are Members of Parliament; provincial/territorial parliament and legislative assembly members; and others who have lawmaking authority. Legislators introduce, examine, and vote on bills to pass official legislation. In preparing such legislation, they study staff reports and hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in the issue under consideration. They usually must approve budgets and the appointments of nominees for leadership posts.