Albertans now have more options than ever to watch the work of their elected officials inside the Legislative Assembly Chamber and will have a front row seat to the discussions that take place around committee room tables when Alberta Assembly TV launched in time for the Speech from the Throne.
When Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, CM, AOE, LLD, delivered the Speech from the Throne on Thursday, March 8, Albertans watched the proceedings online at assembly.ab.ca or on Alberta Assembly TV.
Telus customers will find Alberta Assembly TV on channel 843 and preparations continue with other Alberta cable providers to launch later this spring.
“The proceedings that take place inside the Legislative Assembly Chamber and around its committee tables happen because Albertans have elected us to represent them on issues of importance,” said Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “The daily debates and committee conversations affect the lives of all Albertans and I am so pleased that we are able to provide them with options to watch their MLAs in action.”
“Members heard from many constituents last fall when we were no longer able to televise the Daily Routine, including Oral Question Period,” said Wanner. “It was abundantly clear that there is still a desire and an expectation from Albertans that we continue to televise proceedings of the Assembly.”
For many years the Legislative Assembly of Alberta had been able to televise Throne Speech, the Budget Address and Oral Question Period on television through a third party provider. When this was no longer an available option, the Legislative Assembly Office (LAO) immediately began investigating other ways to restore televised coverage.”
Under a CRTC Parliamentary and Provincial or Territorial Legislature Proceedings Exemption Order the Legislative Assembly Office was able to apply for permission to launch its own channel in the Province of Alberta and received permission December 19, 2017.
The Legislative Assembly of Alberta has been broadcasting in some form or another for over 45 years and we will continue to explore distribution methods that carry the proceeding to Albertans in various media formats.
“This is a significant development for us and for Albertans with an interest in seeing the work of their elected officials as it happens,” concluded Wanner.
Regular Assembly business will start on March 12 with the entire proceedings broadcast live on Alberta Assembly TV and streamed on Assembly Online. Closed captioning is provided for both.
Monday: 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to noon; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to noon; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The gallery is open to the public during regular assembly business. Albertans who are able to watch session in person at the Alberta Legislature Building are encouraged to book ahead to ensure availability. Assisted listening devices can be supplied, and arrangements for an ASL interpreter can be made to support visitors in the public galleries.
The schedule for committee meetings can be found at assembly.ab.ca/committees. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings taking place in the Rocky Mountain Committee Room will be broadcast live. Rebroadcasts may take place at a later time/date.