Integrity Commissioner has found the MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, breached a provision of the Code of Conduct

(YELLOWKNIFE) Thursday October 10, 2024 – Integrity Commissioner has found the MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, breached a provision of the Code of Conduct.

The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly Integrity Commissioner, Mr. David Phillip Jones, Q.C., has investigated a complaint lodged against the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh and has concluded the member breached a provision of the Code of Conduct, and is recommending to the Legislative Assembly that a reprimand and a fine be imposed.

On July 26, 2023, the Integrity Commissioner received a written complaints that Richard Edjericon, MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, had, since taking office in a by-election in the Spring of 2022, orchestrated a continuous campaign of harassing the nursing staff at the health centre in Fort Resolution, and in particular had mounted a campaign based on innuendo, hearsay and rumours to have Ms. Patterson terminated from her position as Nurse in Charge and removed from the community.  

This launched an investigation that resulted in the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendation that the member breached a provision of the Code of Conduct and recommends to the Legislative Assembly a reprimand and fine in accordance with Section 106(1)(b) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.

As stated in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Integrity Commissioner is mandated to compile a report outlining the details of his investigation. The Act requires the report to be presented to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, MLAs, and the public upon completion. As required by the Act, the Speaker will table the report during the upcoming sitting of the Legislative Assembly.

The Integrity Commissioner’s direction means the Legislative Assembly shall consider the report within 15 sitting days after the report has been laid before the Legislative Assembly.  The Legislative Assembly may order the imposition of the punishment recommended by the Integrity Commissioner, or it may reject the recommendation.

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For more information, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
P: 867-767-9130 ext. 12017
E: @email