MLAs appoint new clerk of legislative assembly

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/11/2023 (1024 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba has a new clerk of the legislative assembly.

MLAs on Thursday formally appointed long-time deputy clerk Rick Yarish to succeed Patricia Chaychuk, who retired over the summer from the top job for an unelected official in the legislative assembly.

Yarish has been in the role since Chaychuk left and has presided over a number of high-profile events, including the swearing-in of Manitoba’s 57 MLAs in October.

The clerk is responsible for maintaining records of the assembly and all legislative documents, including the order paper of daily proceedings in the chamber, votes and debates.

The clerk also serves as manager of the non-political staff who work in the legislative building, provides advice and assistance relating to parliamentary procedure to the speaker and all MLAs, and answers questions and provides clarification respecting the rules of the house.

The clerk directs offices of the assembly, including the committees, Hansard and journals branches, the members’ allowances office and the visitor services program.

The clerk is the secretary to the Legislative Assembly Management Commission, the Manitoba branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and administers the legislative assembly internship program.