Bianca's Legislative Placement with Parliamentary cOUNSEL

Over the past month, I have had the privilege of completing my Legislative Assembly placement with the Parliamentary Counsel Branch, alongside my wonderful colleague, Keana. Parliamentary Counsel plays a vital role in supporting the Legislative Assembly’s independence from the executive branch, providing expert legal advice and guidance to ensure that the Assembly can carry out its legislative and oversight functions in accordance with constitutional and parliamentary principles. Their work underpins much of the Legislature’s daily operations from drafting and interpreting legislation to advising on matters of parliamentary privilege and procedure.

During my time with the branch, I was fortunate to work under the guidance of Gabriela, Parliamentary Counsel, and Will, Senior Parliamentary Counsel and Table Officer. They provided us with meaningful, substantive work projects and were generous in sharing their knowledge about the legal and procedural frameworks that support the Assembly. I also had the pleasure of working alongside Melissa, Paralegal, and Devon, Policy Analyst, whose perspectives helped me understand how legal and policy analysis intersect in the legislative process.

My primary project focused on briefing Supreme Court of Canada cases for future reference by the office. This task required close attention to detail and a deep engagement with complex legal reasoning, strengthening both my research and analytical skills. I also assisted with reviewing and updating the Legislative Assembly’s policies, gaining insight into how legal counsel helps translate legislative and procedural principles into practice.

Throughout my placement, some of the standout moments were participating in regular meetings with the Counsel Office, where we explored a wide range of legal topics from constitutional conventions to the nuances of parliamentary privilege. These discussions were invaluable, not only for expanding my legal understanding but also for appreciating how these issues shape the democratic process in real time.

Reflecting on my time at Parliamentary Counsel, the most impactful aspect was realizing how deeply law, governance, and public service intersect within the Legislature. This experience has broadened my perspective on the role of legal professionals in upholding democratic institutions and has reinforced my desire to pursue work that contributes to the public good.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Gabriela for her mentorship and receptiveness to my many questions, and to the entire Parliamentary Counsel team for making this experience so enriching and welcoming. I leave this placement with new skills, a stronger understanding of constitutional law, and immense appreciation for the dedicated individuals who ensure the Assembly’s legal and procedural integrity!