A Member of the Legislative Assembly, or MLA, is a representative elected by the voters of an electoral district to the legislature or legislative assembly of a subnational jurisdiction.

Australia

Members of the Legislative Assembly in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory are known as MLAs. However the suffix MPs is also commonly used. Queensland also has a Legislative Assembly but since 2000, members are now known as MP.

South Australia and Tasmania have a House of Assembly and denote its members MHA.

In federal parliament, members of the House of Representatives are known as MHRs, although the designation MP is often used.

Canada

In Canada, members of legislative assemblies are called MLAs in all provinces and territories except:

• Ontario, where they have been called Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) since 1938,
• Quebec, where they are called Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) since 1968, and
• Newfoundland and Labrador, where they are called Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs).

Members of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia (despite being a House of Assembly), Prince Edward Island and in the three territories (Yukon, NWT and Nunavut) are known as MLAs.

Hong Kong

Members of Hong Kong Legislative Council are referred to as Legco Councillors.

India

A Member of Legislative Assembly, or MLA, is a representative elected by the voters of an electoral district to the Legislature of a State in the Indian system of government.

Northern Ireland

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland are known as MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly).

The Assembly was suspended on October 14, 2002 but the persons elected to it at the 2003 Assembly Election were called together on 15 May, 2006 under the Northern Ireland Act 2006 for the purpose of electing a First Minister and Deputy First Minister and choosing the members of an Executive (before 25 November, 2006) as a preliminary to the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland. Another election was held on 7 March 2007 and powers were restored to the Assembly in May 2007.

Wales

Members of the National Assembly for Wales, the devolved Assembly of Wales are usually known as AMs or Aelod y Cynulliad (ACs).

References

1. Resolution of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Qld branch), 19/10/2000. Source: Queensland Parliamentary Library, 15 November 2005.
2. Northern Ireland Act 2006 (c. 17)
3. The National Assembly for Wales, Civil rights - In Wales, Advice guide, Citizens Advice Bureau. Retrieved 13 July 2006.