Member of the National Assembly of Quebec

Member of the National Assembly of Quebec. A Member of the National Assembly (MNA) is an elected representative in the unicameral provincial legislature of Quebec, the National Assembly of Quebec. Each MNA represents one of the province's 125 electoral districts, known as ridings. Their primary duties include legislating, approving provincial budgets, and scrutinizing the actions of the Executive Council of Quebec.

Role and responsibilities

The fundamental role of an MNA is to represent their constituents in Quebec City and participate in the legislative process. In the parliamentary system, MNAs from the governing party typically support the agenda of the Premier of Quebec, while those in opposition roles, such as the Leader of the Official Opposition, critique government policy. All MNAs serve on standing committees, like the Committee on Public Finance, to examine bills and conduct studies. They also advocate for local issues, such as infrastructure projects in regions like the Gaspé Peninsula or Montreal, and provide direct assistance to individuals navigating provincial services like the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.

Election and term

MNAs are elected through a first-past-the-post system in general elections, which are called by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec on the advice of the premier, and must be held at least every five years. A seat can also become vacant between elections due to resignation, death, or expulsion, triggering a by-election in that riding, such as those historically held in Louis-Hébert. The term of the current legislature began after the 2022 Quebec general election. The Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec, an independent officer of the National Assembly of Quebec, administers all elections under the *Election Act*.

History and evolution

The position originated with the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1791, evolving into the Legislative Assembly of Quebec following Confederation in 1867. Early members, like Premier Honoré Mercier, served in a bicameral legislature that included the Legislative Council of Quebec. The Quiet Revolution marked a significant period of increased governmental activism. The institution was renamed the National Assembly of Quebec in 1968, under Premier Daniel Johnson Jr., abolishing the upper chamber. The Parti Québécois, first elected in 1976 under René Lévesque, and the 1980 Quebec referendum profoundly shaped the assembly's modern political dynamics.

Qualifications and privileges

To be eligible for election, a candidate must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and have resided in Quebec for at least six months. Certain officials, like judges, are disqualified. Upon election, MNAs swear an oath of office to the King in Right of Quebec. They enjoy parliamentary privilege, including freedom of speech in the assembly, as affirmed by the *Act respecting the National Assembly*. MNAs receive a salary, allowances for their constituency office, and contribute to a pension plan. The Ethics Commissioner and the Protector of the Citizen oversee standards of conduct.

Current composition

Following the 2022 Quebec general election, the Coalition Avenir Québec, led by Premier François Legault, holds a majority of seats. The Quebec Liberal Party, under interim leader Marc Tanguay, forms the official opposition. Other recognized parties include Québec solidaire, co-led by Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, and the Parti Québécois, led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The assembly includes representatives from all regions, from Îles-de-la-Madeleine to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and its proceedings are broadcast by Télé-Québec and the Assemblée nationale TV channel. Category:Members of the National Assembly of Quebec Category:Quebec politics