Calgary, 28 October 2023 – The Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, recently addressed the Filipino community in Calgary and talked about the workings of Alberta’s democracy at a forum hosted by the Philippine Consulate General on the night of 23 October 2023.

Speaker Cooper enlightened the audience about the Legislature’s functions, his roles as the Speaker, and how the Legislative Assembly relates to the other branches of the provincial government.

Among the event’s highlights was the presence of Alberta’s Mace, which Speaker Cooper described as “a symbol of the monarch’s power in the Province of Alberta.” 

The Mace is approximately three feet long and contains 200 ounces, or 5,669 grams, of sterling silver overlaid with gold.

Speaker Cooper underscored the importance of the Mace by saying that “without the presence of the Mace, the Government cannot conduct its business.”

The Mace is the symbol of the Speaker’s and by extension the Assembly’s authority and, therefore, the authority of the Assembly to make laws on behalf of the people.

The Mace has only left Alberta’s Legislature Building in Edmonton for about 15 times, according to Speaker Cooper.

“The visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary marked the first time that the Alberta’s Mace was brought to the premises of a consulate general office in Alberta,” Speaker Cooper remarked.

About 60 members of the Filipino community, who braved the inclement weather that night, attended the event to listen to Speaker Cooper and see Alberta’s Mace up close.

“Speaker Cooper’s visit to the Philippine Consulate General was historic as he was the first Speaker of Alberta to do so and address our Filipino community,” said Consul General Zaldy Patron.

“We are also proud to have the distinction of being the first consulate general office in Alberta to host the Mace,” he added.