Frieda Martselos

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories document, there's a section with regional decision-making authority where the government states it will empower regional and community staff with training to increase their awareness of the decision-making authority.

Can the Premier tell us if this training has been developed yet and if the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs will be on track with its goals on this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Bill 23 received second reading on March 11, 2021.

Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act, received second reading on March 11, 2021 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations (“SCOGO” or “the Committee”) for review. MLA Jacobson introduced Bill 23 as a Private Member’s Bill.

Bill 23 would prohibit a public utility from disconnecting a residential customer’s electricity between October 1 and April 30, or whenever the temperature is forecast to be below 0°C. A customer’s electricity, if it was disconnected during the summer months due to non-payment...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 32, an Act to Amend the Northern Employees Benefit Services Pension Plan Act. Bill 32 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on June 2nd, 2021, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for a review.

On September 16, 2021, the standing committee held a public hearing with the Minister responsible for the Department of Finance on this bill and completed its clause by clause review of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, the committee reports that Bill 32, an Act to amend the Northern...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have now entered the third year of the 19th Assembly, signifying the halfway point of our mandate. As we begin this winter session, I'd like to welcome our colleagues back from the sixmonthlong break since our last session.

Mr. Speaker, I first want to take a moment to acknowledge all the staff of the Legislative Assembly. Our staff are important to our work as legislators here in this Assembly, and I want to thank them for their service.

In addition I would like to thank, as always, the amazing constituents of Fort Smith for their continued support of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Life events such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unexpected medical expenses, or a death in the family can cause electricity customers to fall behind on their bills. As a result, customers may face disconnection or the installation of load limiters. Committee notes that in other jurisdictions, notably British Columbia, there are programs that provide supports to electricity customers experiencing a temporary financial crisis. A similar program in the NWT context merits consideration as a policy response to electricity unaffordability for some customers...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 33, National Indigenous Peoples Day Act. Bill 33 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on June 4th, 2021, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review.

On September 23rd, 2021, the standing committee held a public hearing with the Minister of the Executive and Indigenous Affairs on this bill and completed its clause by clause review of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, the committee reports that Bill 33, National Indigenous Peoples Day Act is ready for consideration in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 23, an Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act.

Bill 23 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on March 11th, 2021 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review.

On September 29, 2021, the standing committee held a public hearing with the sponsoring member on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the committee reports that Bill 23, an Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of privilege under rule 20(1).

Since the Assembly last adjourned on June 4th, 2021, a number of incidents have occurred that undermined the dignity, integrity, and efficient functioning of the Legislative Assembly. Each of these incidents arise from the conduct of the Member for Tu NedheWiilideh.

As is well known, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh was recently the subject of a code of conduct inquiry. This inquiry convened on October 4th, 2021. The sole adjudicator delivered his report on November 17th, 2021, and recommended that the Member...

I just want to make one short comment. You know, it's easy to listen and it's easy to criticize and sometimes I do it myself, you know, but a balanced approach to development and to social programs is reflected in this plan. I don't agree with everything in the plan. But, you know, from a business point of view and being in business for 50 years and strong  with strong business background, I feel that a lot of things that are in here are good, not all of it is bad. The mineral  the mineral part of our economy is extremely important. The hydro is extremely important. Mini hydros just wouldn't...

Mr. Chair, I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment bring forward a plan to better support schools in small communities to ensure students across the territories have an equitable learning experience, and, further, that the department work with district education authorities to minimize the impacts of differing school calendars on northern distance learning. Thank you, Mr. Chair.