The Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, is pleased, after extensive consultations with staff and input from all legislative caucuses, to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert H. Reynolds, QC, to serve as the 7th Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, effective April 4, 2016.
“Mr. Reynolds, a long serving and dedicated employee of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost experts on Westminster style parliamentary practice. His professionalism and commitment to the public service will ensure continued focus on the Legislative Assembly Office’s (LAO) mission to provide nonpartisan parliamentary support and to implement the innovative changes necessary to sustain the LAO as a leader in parliamentary support organizations in Canada,” said Speaker Wanner.
“I would like to express my thanks to the representatives of the various caucuses who were consulted and participated in the process for their time and advice. I can truly say that Mr. Reynolds’ selection was supported across all parties in the Legislature. I am confident that Mr. Reynolds will provide strong leadership valued advice and decisive direction to the dedicated LAO employees and. I look forward to working with him,” he added.
The Clerk is the chief executive officer of the Legislative Assembly and has authority and responsibility equivalent to that of a deputy minister of a government department. Under the direction of the Speaker the Clerk has both procedural and managerial responsibilities.
Reynolds was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, and later attended Queen’s University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in political studies. In 1990 he obtained a law degree from the University of Alberta. He was admitted to the Bar in 1991.
Reynolds articled and practiced law in Edmonton before joining the Legislative Assembly Office as Parliamentary Counsel in 1993. He was appointed Senior Parliamentary Counsel in 1997 and in 2010 he was named Law Clerk and Director of Interparliamentary Relations.
Reynolds is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association. In 2004 he was appointed Queen’s Counsel. He is a frequent speaker on the subject of parliamentary privilege and has twice served as president of the Association of Parliamentary Counsel in Canada and as a member of the professional development committee for the Canadian Association of Clerks-at-the-Table.
Married with two sons, Reynolds is active in his church and volunteers in support of his children’s sporting activities.