Livingstone-Macleod MLA Roger Reid has been studying up for a new job in the Alberta Legislature.

Reid is essentially going to be one of the back-up's for the Speaker who can take over during some of the long sessions in Edmonton if called upon.

He says it's just another way to pitch in.

"So one of the issues that we of course deal with is sometimes we have long, long days and late nights of debates at the house. So, I was invited by the Speaker to take some procedural training and to be able to sit in and fill in either as a chair of committees or sometimes fill in for the Speaker when we're in the legislature."

He says it never hurts to learn new skills in his job.

"It's a chance to do some more learning and to get better at the parliamentary process up here. So I'm very fortunate to have been offered that position."

He says the one thing he can't do if he takes over the speakers chair is to wear the black robes of office the Speaker would normally get to wear.

"Back-up guy doesn't get to wear the robes. I just have to wear my really nice suits my wife picks out for me."

Reid says despite getting to sit in the middle of the action it's not all glory.

He says the Speakers chair is actually the most uncomfortable one in the legislature.

 

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