An important function of the Legislative Assembly is to scrutinize the policies, decisions, and actions of the executive branch of government and to hold Cabinet ministers accountable. The Legislative Assembly fulfils its scrutiny role through important debates and discussions to critically examine the actions (or inactions) of the provincial government. Many opportunities to scrutinize the government exist in the procedures of the Legislative Assembly, like Question Period or parliamentary committees. Other opportunities include:
- Written Questions on Notice
- Committee of the Whole
- The Committee of Supply
- Motions on Notice
- Petitions
- Public Bills in the Hands of Private Members
- Debates on the Speech from the Throne, the budget, and proposed legislation
- Tabling of Documents
When used together, these parliamentary procedures can create an environment of political accountability and transparent decision making, ensuring that the Government of British Columbia is responsible to the public. Likewise, by openly reporting on these procedures, the media helps to ensure that the public is well informed about these different types of activities as they occur.
