Rocky Simpson

Madam Chair, I recommend that this motion be accepted. I know that even minor adjustments to the electoral boundaries can be problematic for both Members, candidates, and most importantly residents. But some of the ridings in Yellowknife have grown much more rapidly than others and rebalancing is required. The same is true to a lesser extent in Inuvik. We strike independent Commissions to do this work for us to try and keep politics out of these important decisions. Madam Chair, I support the recommendations. Thank you.

I move that this Assembly recommends that the basic indemnity payable to every Member, with the exception of the Speaker, Premier, and Ministers, be reduced by $4,000.

And further, that Members, with the exception of the Speaker, Premier, and Ministers, receive a stipend of $2,000 for each standing committee they are a member of, to a maximum of $4,000. If a Member sits on more than two committees, there will be no additional stipend paid. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess, I look at this and I listen to the discussion and I think about the people out there that will probably never come to this building, don't feel welcome in this building and, you know, will probably never talk to some of you as MLAs here. And, you know, I guess coming from Hay River, coming from a you know, a community again, my office is on main street. I get people in there that again, that walk by and just come in. And I probably get, you know, 20, 25 people a day coming through there. Some of them just to drink coffee and other ones to actually you know...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's been a few months here since flooding occurred in Hay River, and people want to get back in their homes. So Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister what is the staff complement and duties of those persons currently assisting residents and businesses affected by the flood in Hay River? Thank you.

Madam Chair, from a Member's perspective, reciprocal agreements may allow the Member to seek an elected position without it adversely affecting their retirement savings. The issue is that if a reciprocal agreement is set up so that the Member's lifetime pension is not adversely affected, it usually means that the plan suffers additional cost. Or, if the reciprocal agreement is set up to be cost neutral to the plan, it likely will provide little to no value to most Members. Therefore, I recommend that this recommendation be rejected.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to provide opening comments on this matter as deputy chair of the Caucus.

As required by legislation, the House appointed an Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2021. The Commission published an interim report in December of 2021 to generate public input and discussion. Public consultations were hampered by COVID19 but three virtual public hearings were held from February 14th to the 18th, 2022. Three residents appeared at these public hearings, and 12 others provided written submissions to the Commission. The commission's final report was tabled in the...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Recommendations 6 to 10 are about participation on standing and special committee by Regular Members.

Committee motion number 6, I move that this Assembly recommends that all MLAs, excluding the Speaker, Premier, or Ministers, are expected to participate on a minimum of two standing committees, not including the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, and at least one special committee, if there are special committees. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that a shared office space for Yellowknife Members of the Legislative Assembly be established that is located in a central part of the city that is accessible to all the Yellowknife constituents and others who are seeking information or support. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, since this Legislative Assembly began reimbursing Members for child care expenses at the beginning of this Assembly, I have heard that some Members with children are reluctant to claim reimbursement for child care expenses under the existing program. I think the existing program is a good one, and I encourage all Members to make use of it when they're required to attend meetings outside normal working hours or when the Member's child or children are required to travel with the Member while the Member is performing constituency or Legislative Assembly business. I recommend against...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommend that an electronic package of any relevant materials relating to the work of future independent commissions to review Member's compensation and benefits be delivered to the Members of future independent Commissions as soon as they are appointed to allow them time to read, review, and prepare for the work they will conduct and complete. Thank you, Madam Chair.