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legislative assembly

The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia has been the elected component of the Province’s parliamentary system of government since the establishment of self-government in the Province in 1871. It is currently a representative body of 79 members elected from single member districts for a term of four years unless dissolved earlier (see fixed term ; dissolution ).  The government must maintain the support of a majority of the members of the Assembly to stay in office.  The functions of the legislative assembly include passing legislation, authorizing the raising and expenditure of public money, scrutinizing the activities of government , raising issues of public concern, investigating matters of public interest, and acting as a forum for publicizing the concerns of individuals and groups throughout British Columbia.

All Canadian provinces have a representative assembly which discharges similar functions.  All but three provincial assemblies are called the legislative assembly; Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador each have a house of assembly, and Quebec has a national assembly.
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