A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is an elected representative serving in a provincial legislature. The title varies by province: MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament) in Ontario, MNA (Member of the National Assembly) in Quebec, and MLA in most other provinces. MLAs represent geographic constituencies, debate and pass provincial legislation, and hold provincial governments accountable. Since provinces create and regulate municipalities, provincial legislators directly influence local government through municipal acts, funding formulas, and policy decisions. Municipal leaders regularly engage with their MLAs to advocate for provincial support and communicate local concerns to the provincial government.