What are Parliamentary Committees?
Parliamentary Committees allow MLAs to look closely at a particular issue and explore it in depth. They also provide a way for MLAs to examine the activities of government ministries and keep the government and the public service accountable to the people of British Columbia. In committees, MLAs can consult with experts and review documents and papers. They can also collect the views of community, professional, business, academic and other groups as well as well as the general public providing an opportunity for direct involvement in the workings of the Legislative Assembly. There are both Select Standing Committees authorized by the Legislative Assembly to investigate and report on a particular aspect of government operations and Special Committees, which can be occasionally set up to look at a single specific issue. Both types of Parliamentary committees present a final report to the House.
Parliamentary committees are appointed by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia to undertake business on behalf of the Assembly. Committees are comprised of Members of the Legislative Assembly. Committees derive their powers from the House and must report their findings back to the House. Committees consider only those matters that are referred to them by the Legislative Assembly. Within its terms of reference, each committee is afforded total independence in its deliberations. The committee system allows for detailed examination of matters in a manner which would not be possible in the larger House. At times, the committee system also allows members of the public to have direct input into the parliamentary process by making written submissions and attending public hearings. Parliamentary committees may travel within British Columbia to obtain evidence. Select Standing Committees are established by the Legislative Assembly at the commencement of each session.
