An MLA may be required to fulfill as many as four distinct roles:

The role of Legislator involves understanding the spirit of existing laws, planning new laws, and studying, discussing and then supporting or opposing the enactment of new laws.

As a Representative of his or her constituency, a Member may voice concerns on behalf of constituents, represent viewpoints or intercede and assist in problem solving.

An MLA is also a Member of an elected party caucus. In this function, he or she may be involved in planning and orchestrating strategy in the House, supporting the caucus and its decisions, and developing expertise in given subject areas.

Depending on his/her party's political fortunes, the MLA may serve as a Cabinet Minister or Opposition Critic.

Members of the Legislative Assembly divide their time between their constituencies and their work in the Assembly. MLAs duties will vary, depending on whether he/she is a Member of Cabinet, a Member of the Opposition, or a Government Backbencher.

Opposition Members spend much of their time researching and asking questions in the House regarding their constituencies and critic areas. Both Opposition Members and Government Backbenchers present Petitions, Resolutions, and Private Members' Bills to the House.

MLAs who are Ministers of the Crown (Cabinet Members) spend much of their time overseeing the operations of their assigned departments. Cabinet Ministers must be prepared to answer questions from the Opposition, put forward Government Bills, and deal with the Estimates and Annual Reports of their departments.

MLAs also serve as Members of various committees. Committee membership is allocated to the political parties in approximately the same proportion as their representation in the House.

Constituents encountering problems within their division, or having problems dealing with government departments, agencies, etc. often refer to their MLA for assistance. Much of an MLA's time is spent handling their constituents individual problems, answering questions and concerns, and keeping aware of the prevailing opinion of the constituency.

MLAs keep in touch with their constituents by personal contact, by phone, in writing, through meetings, and by the two annual household mailings they are entitled to send.

Every MLA may open an office in his or her constituency.

By checking the telephone directory - under Government of Manitoba - you can find out who your MLA is and contact him or her. Contact can be made through his/her Legislative Building Office, his/her Party's Caucus Office, or his/her Constituency Office. A listing of all MLAs and Ministers is available through the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly (204) 945-3636  or through the Legislative Assembly Website at:

 www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/constituency.html

www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/alphabetical.html