Series S 27 - Records of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, 18th Legislature series

The Province of Saskatchewan was created and given legislative powers by The Saskatchewan Act, 1905, 4-5 Edw. VII, c. 42. when it and the province of Alberta were formed from a portion of the North-West Territories. Formerly the North-West Territories as a whole had been governed by a territorial assembly that was limited in its powers.

Supreme power is constitutionally vested in the Crown, represented by the Lieutenant-Governor but decisions are made by the Members of the Legislative Assembly who are elected by the voters of the various electoral districts of Saskatchewan with an election held at least every five years.

The first General Election in Saskatchewan was held December 13, 1905 (polling in some portions of the Kinistino district was not held until January 3, 1906). Those Members elected formed the First Legislature, with the first session opening on March 29, 1906.

The legislative arm of government consists of: the Speaker who serves as the Assembly's presiding officer and is elected by the Members of the Legislative Assembly from their numbers; Members (MLA's - Members of the Legislative Assembly), elected one per constituency (seat) by the voting population of Saskatchewan; The Clerk and Staff of the Legislative Assembly Office.

Legislative Assembly staff fall under some of the following categories: Office of the Clerk, Legislative Counsel and Law Clerk, Broadcast Services, Hansard, Legislative Library, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms. See GA 44 Legislative Assembly Office for a more complete description.

The offices of the Members and most of the support staff are located at the Legislative Assembly Building, known as The Leg (pronounced ledge) beside Wascana Lake in Regina.

As the highest elected body all Departments, Committees, Boards and Agencies of Government ultimately report to the Legislative Assembly.