MLAs propose ideas to make legislature more family friendly

High chairs in the legislature cafeteria, more diaper-changingtables and a day care in the Federal Building are among ideas MLAs have to make the Alberta legislature more family friendly.

In an update to the special standing committee on members services, Calgary-East NDP MLA Robyn Luff said Monday her sub-committee will recommend changes to the Legislative Assembly Act so MLAs can be absent to care for a newborn, newly adopted or sick child.

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Other possible recommendations include allowing infants on the floor of the legislature, and setting up a room with toys where caregivers or parents could allow childrento play.

Luff said the changes will help anyone trying to balance the needs of a young family with the demands of politics.

"They don't want to be absent from their families for long periods of time, and they want the legislature to be a place where they can bring their kids, whether that's men or women," she said.

Luff's committee aims to update antiquated rules that came to light last year when Calgary VarsityMLA Stephanie McLean announced her pregnancy.

Under current rules, MLAs are docked $100 a day if they miss more than 10 sitting days a year. Exceptions are made only for illness, bereavement or public duties.

Premier Rachel Notley vowed thatMcLean would not lose any pay when she left to have a baby.

McLean had a son in February,shortly after she was appointed to cabinet, making her the first Alberta MLA to give birthwhile holding office.Last summer, her cabinet colleague, associate health minister Brandy Payne, had her second child.

Luff said she has been told there is space for a day care in the Federal Building, where MLAs have their offices.

The idea is to have something available for everyone, not just MLAs, but the facility could have more flexible hours to accommodate legislature sessions that sometimes sit into the evening.

Any decision to go ahead with a day care would have to be made by the legislature, Luff said.

The sub-committee was formed last February following a proposal by Wildrose MLA Nathan Cooper.

It will makefinal recommendations to the standing committee some time this fall.