I CAN Statement: I can describe how the Alberta government is structured and explain the difference between an MLA and a cabinet minister.
On the space found in your KWL handout record your response to the following question:
What do you think you know a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) does? (1 minutes)
What do you know about what an MLA does? (1 minutes)
What do you wonder about the duties of an MLA? (1 minute)
Share your thoughts with your desk partner.
In your groups, select 2 items from the list of what you think you know and/or what you do know and write them on a sticky-note. Place the sticky-note on the front whiteboard.
Constitutional Monarchy: A system where a king or queen is the official head of state, but elected officials make the laws and decisions.
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): A person elected by voters in a specific area (called a constituency) to represent them in Alberta’s provincial government. MLAs help make laws and speak up for the needs of the people in their area.
Cabinet Minister: An MLA chosen by the Premier to lead a specific part of the government, like health or education. Cabinet Ministers make decisions and help run services across the province.
Premier: The leader of the political party with the most elected MLAs. The Premier leads the government and chooses the Cabinet Ministers.
Alberta is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
A constitutional monarchy means that Canada has a king or queen as the official head of state, but we have elected officials that make the laws and decisions that affect our country and provinces.
Our Monarchy
King Charles III
Lieutenant Governor
The Honourable Salma Lakhani
Represents the king
Premier
Danielle Smith - United Conservative Party leader
Leader of the party that recieved the most votes in the provincial legislative election.
Chooses the cabinet ministers
Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA's)
Drumheller - Stettler MLA - Nate Horner
Elected by voters in a specific constituency (electoral division)
Brings people's concerns to the government
Votes on bills and acts (proposed laws)
Cabinet Ministries
MLA's who oversee provincial departments/ministries
Are appointed by the premier
Responsible for managing vital programs and services provided by the provincial government
Examples
Education
Health
Indigenous Relations
Municipal Affairs
Your task:
Assign roles to your group members
MLA
Cabinet Minister
Premier
Lieutenant Governor
Citizens
Read and discuss the scenario given to your group.
Have the MLA share the concern with the citizens.
The cabinete minister will propose solutions.
The Premier selects which idea to support
The group decides whether to pass the proposal into a "law".
The Lieutenant Governor gives Royal Assent.
✅ In your own words, describe the difference between an MLA and a Cabinet Minister.
✅ Draw a quick diagram showing how Alberta’s government is structured (include MLA, King, Cabinet Minister, Premier, Lieutenant Governor).