Members of the 19th Legislative Assembly committed to "increase resource exploration and development" in the territory. This priority reflects the importance of the mineral resource sector to our economy both today and into the foreseeable future. Our efforts to support the mineral resource sector are further reflected in our commitments to develop regulations for the new Mineral Resource Act; to develop and implement regional mineral development strategies; and review our Mining Incentive Program, socio-economic agreements, and our territory's fiscal regime around mining. Later today, I will table the annual Socio-Economic Agreement Report for Mines Operating in the Northwest Territories. It will outline and confirm again the benefits of mining to our territory.
With a total impact of 27 percent of GDP, diamond mining was the largest private-sector industry in the Northwest Territories and the primary foundation of our economy in 2019. Our diamond mines employed 1,334 Northwest Territories residents last year, more than half of them Indigenous. Over and above the direct benefits of wages, skills training, and capacity building, the Northwest Territories mining industry contributed $1.1 billion to related sectors like construction, transportation, retail, and real estate. The GNWT also realized revenue from the mining industry in the form of corporate income tax, fuel tax, property tax, payroll tax, and personal income tax. In total, $370 million was spent with Indigenous companies in our territory. Royalties to Indigenous governments totalled over $3 million in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, in addition to benefits paid out under impact benefit agreements signed directly with Indigenous governments.
Madam Speaker, big companies can also make big differences in the communities that they are part of. From scholarships to donations to sponsorships, their contributions to our communities are evident well beyond their mine sites. Even through this COVID pandemic, where profits are often non-existent, the diamond mines have continued to be strong corporate citizens.
I want to acknowledge that our support of the mineral resource sector comes within the context of a regulatory regime that works to ensure that resource development occurs in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. We are confident that our system strives to achieve a balance between economic opportunity and the protection of our environment. We will keep that balance as we continue the work of developing a truly northern-centered and modern regulatory system.
In recent weeks, we have had to consider the very real possibility that the Ekati Diamond Mine will continue in a state of care and maintenance for an extended period of time. Madam Speaker, we want the Ekati Mine to return to full operations. It remains a valuable natural resource, and recent events do not change that fact. We also want to restore our mineral development sector, not just our mines, but also advanced projects and exploration companies, to a position of growth and prosperity.
These are trying times, and a difficult road of economic recovery lies ahead. There are several things the GNWT will do to help us advance down that road:
Continue to recognize the value of mine workers to the territory, including the many benefits that flow through them into our communities;
Highlight the competitiveness of our jurisdiction to investors;
Complete the work required to implement the Mineral Resources Act, including developing new regulations;
Develop and implement regional mineral strategies;
Increase collaboration and investment with Indigenous governments; and
Promote the Northwest Territories as a source of critical and strategic minerals and metals.
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to growing the Northwest Territories mining sector and, accordingly, its contributions to investment, employment, and Indigenous participation in the Northwest Territories' economy. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ministers' statements. Minister for Education, Culture and Employment.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Increasing employment in small communities is an important mandate of our government. This week, across Canada, National Skilled Trades and Technology Week will be celebrated as we raise awareness of the many career opportunities in the skilled trades and technology sectors in the Northwest Territories and across Canada. This week, we also honour the 31 Apprenticeship High Mark award recipients and the 36 individuals who have obtained journeyperson certification this year in the Northwest Territories. I want to offer my congratulations to all the award recipients on their achievements.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment supports the development of a skilled northern workforce on many levels, including through the delivery of designated trades and occupation certification programs. This year, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to advise that we have five new members on the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification Board to provide advice and link between the department and industry to lead and are finalizing a promotional campaign to reach out to apprentices and inform them of the many opportunities they can access in our territory. We are also working towards issuing a Blue Seal qualification, which will assist journeypersons in a designated trade or occupation to have their business skills recognized. To further support the apprenticeship program, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is also moving forward with the Women in Trades Program and Journeyperson Mentorship Program, both of which will be implemented in 2021.
Madam Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment works in collaboration with many partners to seek out and develop opportunities for residents and organizations in small communities. We have established regional training committees to collaborate on joint training and employment initiatives. These typically include regional Indigenous organizations and economic and labour market stakeholders, as well as the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Aurora College. There are currently three dynamic committees in the South Slave, Dehcho, and Beaufort-Delta, and we are working to establish training committees in any other region that express interest.
Madam Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment actively seeks out opportunities with communities, businesses, and government departments and agencies to offer increased opportunities to NWT residents. One of our key partnerships is with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, through which we are seeking to maximize the use of journeypersons in local housing organizations to target training opportunities for apprenticeships. Currently, there are more than 30 journeypersons working in communities.
One of the programs we offer is the Small Community Employment Support Program providing designated community authorities access to annual funding to help address local labour market needs and priorities. From 2018 to April 2020, more than 1,400 jobs have been supported in small communities by this program.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to advise you and this House that, to support small communities in addressing the impacts of the pandemic until 2022, designated community authorities can use their funding under the Small Community Employment Support Program to hire local residents to assist in addressing any pandemic-related challenge or need.
Madam Speaker, I have some additional good news in relation to our partnership with the Government of Canada. We are currently working with the federal Department of Employment and Social Development Canada to secure new funding to support economic and labour market recovery in the North. I will have more information to provide my colleagues and the public in the near future once more details become available.
Madam Speaker, over the past number of years the department's approach to supporting the labour market and training opportunities in communities across the Northwest Territories has been strategic and collaborative. When the pandemic hit, we mobilized and responded quickly to ensure clients, employers, organizations, and community projects were not penalized or impacted financially as a result of changes in the delivery of education or training programs. Training, skills development, and education are crucial to the Northwest Territories' economic recovery, and our partners and ourselves have demonstrated we are ready to respond quickly with innovation, consideration, and collaboration. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. The NWT's non-renewable resource economy has experienced many changes over that last several decades. The NWT has witnessed the development and closure of gold mines around Yellowknife, an oil and gas boom that we eventually saw slowly fade away and give way to diamond exploration and production which appears to also be moving in the same direction.
Madam Speaker, all these non-renewable industry activities provide the residents of this great territory with hope: hope of moving away from reliance on government as the economic driver; hope for well-paying jobs; hope for better education; hope of owning their own home as an option over public housing; and hope of providing one's family with a chance at a successful and wholesome future.
Madam Speaker, it was the oil and gas industry that allowed me to realize the dream of bettering my life, and I expect that many others have been provided the same benefits from our non-renewable resource sector, whether it be gold or diamond mines.
Madam Speaker, let us be clear here, the Northwest Territories is rich in renewable and non-renewable resources. I am talking about our forests; I am talking about wildlife; I am talking about an abundance of water; I am talking about the richness of minerals such as gold, diamonds, and rare earth minerals that lie beneath our feet; and I am talking about the untapped oil and gas trapped below us.
Madam Speaker, with the variety and abundance of non-renewable resources present in the NWT, we continue to be a have not territory. We as a government must promote and support the exploration and development of our non-renewable resource sector through clear and reasonable legislation and with timely decisions so projects can advance.
As government, we must be willing to support our constituents, and that support is to provide them with an opportunity for employment and business opportunities beyond government. Those companies that undertake non-renewable resource development provide jobs, whether directly or indirectly, through use of northern contractors. The non-renewable resource sector provides our northern businesses with the opportunity to build capacity and provide us with well-trained individuals.
Madam Speaker, with the loss or slow-down in the non-renewable resource sector, we will experience a decline in our GDP. We will experience a loss in resource royalties. We will experience a loss of a major employer. We have to do all we can to support this sector. Thank you, Madam Speaker
Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak once again about the issue of the unreasonable minimum price of lease rent costs for land leaseholders on that will lands in the NWT. Madam Speaker, this now marks my third Member's statement on this topic, and I am determined to continue to revisit this topic until I see some substantive changes to the current regime of minimum rent costs.
The primary reason why I continue to bring up this subject is simply because it's an important issue for my constituents. I know several people with land leases, and they're all very concerned about the new rent minimum cost that came in effect April 1, 2018. I'm talking about average people who have modest incomes.
Madam Speaker, as I stated in my previous statements, the minimum rent costs for territorial land lease went from $150 to $840 annually. Rather than side with the more reasonable approach of a gradual increase of these costs over a period of time, the Department of Lands decided to increase the lands all at once by nearly six full.
Madam Speaker, I don't know what went into this decision to initiate these changes all at once, but the decision-making process for this particular issue was seriously flawed, and I'm saying this as an attempt to embarrass the government for a bad decision, and I'm not saying this, I'm not saying this as an attempt to embarrass the government for a bad decision which it was. My goal, however, is to stand up for all rights-based land leaseholders and all permanent and long-time residents of the NWT to ensure they get the best deal possible in this situation.
In closing, Madam Speaker, I once again urge this government, more specifically, I urge the Minister of Lands, to reconsider the current course of his decision and not to make these new rent minimum costs permanent, at least not at its current price. I strongly recommend a more staggered approach to increasing these types of costs on people as that is much more reasonable and acceptable for people to incur. I will have questions for the Minister of Lands today. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
Masi, Madam Speaker. [Translation] This past week, we are talking about the apprentice, just like my oldest son, Edzo Lafferty. He had to receive, so I know that he has a journeyman paper, and all his brothers and sisters, his grandfather, are very thankful. While I speak, I'm very thankful for my son. [Translation ends].
Madam Speaker, just to continue on with my Member's statement on overall education, today, I want to talk about one of the greatest treasures in this territory, our Indigenous languages. Our Indigenous languages are rare, unique, in all the world. They are beautiful to hear yet ever so fragile. Our languages are also carriers of our cultures, a true conveyor of our values and world views. Without the languages, the NWT Indigenous communities would be lost, and the world would be a lesser place.
Madam Speaker, central to the survival of our languages, our elders are true standard bearers of North Slavey, South Slavey, Gwich'in, Chipewyan, Cree, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuqtun, and my language, Tlicho, but also professional language interpreters here in this building and outside the building. Professional interpreters are essential, Madam Speaker, because they allow Indigenous speakers to coexist in an English-speaking world. Without our interpreters, our language speakers would have no option but to speak English and our languages become marginalized.
Today, I want to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and commitment of our Indigenous language interpreters wherever they are, in hospitals, healthcares in our territories, in the courts, in the hospitals, government offices, and right here in the Legislative Assembly. I commend you all and thank you for helping us carry our language to the future. For that, I would like to say masi cho.
As important as our interpreters are, their profession is being taken for granted by this government. At one time, interpreter was a thriving profession. Now, I believe there are no more than 10 certified Indigenous interpreters in the entire territory, no more than 10. Most of these 10 are near retirement, as well, and little has been done to train more. There is nothing less than an emergency to this matter. I intend to ask the government how they are responding to this emergency. Masi.
Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last week, MACA wrote to the Hamlet of Paulatuk, telling them they have to pay back $53,000 in clean waste-water funding for improvements to Paulatuk's sewage lagoon. MACA says they gave the hamlet two extensions; there is no way to extend the project deadline. MACA says the only option is to cancel the project and for Paulatuk to pay back the monies. The hamlet started the work this summer. They cannot get the work done by January 31st due to freeze-up, Madam Speaker. MACA did give a deadline for construction to end in the middle of winter.
Paulatuk could not start the work in 2019 because it did not have the appropriate equipment in the community. In 2020, they prioritized the equipment for the drainage that came in off the barge. The sewage lagoon did not get done due to freeze-up.
When we talk about capacity issues in smaller communities, it's a stark reality. Paulatuk desperately needs this work to be completed and no claw-backs. The hamlet is doing the best with what they have, with limited resources. The government is underfunding our municipal governments by $40 million a year. When the hamlet gets funding, this is how MACA treats them. Instead of acting as funding police, maybe MACA should be there being a champion for them and helping them. Why can't the deadline be extended? Why can't the department underwrite to secure the funding on behalf of Paulatuk?
Better yet, the department has to make it better for our communities. The equipment is needed in there for the work in this critical infrastructure that is needed for the community. Madam Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. November 1st to 8th is National Skilled Trades and Technology Week, a Canada-wide event that promotes and increases awareness of the opportunities within the skilled trades and the fields of technology.
Skilled trades and technology encompass a vast array of specialties. Carpenters, electricians, hairdressers, water monitors, and supply-chain managers are all examples of trades that we see in our own northern communities. Some trades can start in high school or as on-the-job training, but all trades at some point require some degree of specialized training or education. As a territory built by the hands of tradespeople in support of our resource-extraction sector, occupations that support this industry must be of utmost importance for any of our northern academic institutions. The Northwest Territories' future polytechnic university must incorporate northern economic considerations when developing its curriculum as there must be programming for northern students that is relevant to the demands of our northern workforce.
As a woman in engineering, it is particularly important to me to see women in the North taking on roles in skilled trades and technology. It is important for young people to know that all occupational fields are open to everyone. It is my hope that our northern university will incorporate a goal towards diversity in all of its work, towards encouraging more women, as well as Indigenous students, to enter post-secondary studies.
This year, physically distant and virtual events will recognize and celebrate the achievements of NWT apprenticeship, trades, and occupational certifications. I encourage all Northwest Territories residents to participate in virtual events to learn more or to provide mentorship about careers in skilled trades and technology. I would like to celebrate all individuals in the North who occupy skilled trades and technology roles in their day-to-day work. Your work is important, and your hands are building a strong future for our North. I will have questions unrelated to my topic later today. Thank you.
Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Madame la Presidente. In June this year, the Member for Yellowknife Centre, who is now the Minister responsible for Seniors, sponsored a motion calling for creation of a seniors' and elders' strategy. As pointed out in those debates, action on this growing sector of the population is now guided by a 2014 strategic framework that focuses on health-related aspects of aging. The motion called for expanding that vision with an integrated strategy that takes into account issues beyond healthcare. The successful motion called for a strategy that "provides a whole-of-government approach to enhance and coordinate programs and services to elders." Each new demographic report shows the dramatic growth in our seniors population, with 60-and-overs growing from 2,787 in 2003 to 5,981 in 2018 and a projected 9,383 by 2035. We need a strategy more than ever and now.
The NWT Seniors' Society has lobbied for a renewed strategy and supported the June motion. They say improvements are needed in housing, homecare, transportation, income, and market rent supports. Aging in place is especially emphasized as a cost-effective and self-reliant alternative to institutional care, although long-term care also needs attention. We need more than health-specific programs to ensure a decent quality of life for our seniors. Boiled down, the main ask of the motion was for the government to provide resources to bring a broad stakeholder group together for the creation of a new vision and action plan.
The former Minister responsible for Seniors said a new strategy "may not be achievable… in light of… COVID" but that issues such as housing, health supports, community infrastructure, and personal safety are taken up in other mandate goals. I see from the new Minister's mandate letter that the development of a seniors' strategy is not one of her assignments. I will have questions for the new Minister responsible for Seniors on what action she will take to develop a seniors' strategy. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Madam Speaker, I have spoken about oral health on numerous occasions in this House. I have focused on the need of the GNWT to change the regulatory environment to provide preventative oral health in small communities and the cost of not focusing on preventative oral care. One of the key objectives of the GNWT's oral health strategy calls for establishing systemic supports for improved oral health services, including improving the regulatory environment. This is one area where I feel strongly that the GNWT must reconsider its legislative position. The Dental Auxiliaries Act stipulates that no dental hygienist shall practice dental hygiene except under the direction and control of a dentist.
Nurses work in our small remote communities without doctors; preventative healthcare professionals like chiropractors and massage therapists are free to work under professional accreditation using their professional discretion to provide services to NWT residents. Given the huge demand for oral health practitioners and the known fact that prevention saves future burdens on our healthcare system, the GNWT must commit to changing this legislative barrier.
In the Northwest Territories, 68 percent of dentists are men, whereas 86 percent of dental hygienists are women. Denying dental hygienists the opportunity to practice outside of the control of a dentist means that the government is inadvertently denying employment opportunities to an employment sector that is largely female. Today, all Canadian jurisdictions except for the three territories and PEI have legislation to support dental hygienists to be autonomous and self-regulated to varying levels. For example, some jurisdictions restrict the use of local anesthesia by dental hygienists.
Madam Speaker, I am told there are various reasons the GNWT does not allow experienced, certified, and registered dental hygienists to provide preventative oral care independent of a dentist. Given this government's commitment to ensure gender equity, I do not accept a simple no but rather see the value in working through the challenges defined by the department. Madam Speaker, the GNWT's oral health strategy is meant to be in place until the end of the 2021 fiscal year. I would appreciate the Minister's support for changing the legislation to allow dental hygienists to provide oral healthcare without a dentist's oversight. This is a win for both the final chapter of this strategy and the health and economic opportunity of the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. It's been over four and a half years since the Northwest Territories Power Corporation board was removed and a board of deputy ministers was replaced. There have been a number of ministerial changes in that time, and I would just like to walk through why this is so important that we create a proper arm's-length power corporation and reinstate the board. This all began in 2014 and 2015 when back-to-back subsidies were needed for the Power Corporation because they simply were not running a sufficient budget for a rainy day or, in this case, a non-rainy day due to low water levels. In response to that, the board was removed, and it came under the control of deputy ministers, perhaps a reasonable response had failed to keep a surplus and make sure the Power Corporation was running.
A proper power corporation will, through its ratepayers, be able to fund its own. A good example we see of this is the WSCC, where, when they make a rate increase, it is to balance. It's an evidenced approach, and it doesn't allow political interference to say, "No. You're not going to do that." Then, at the end of the day, we end up with a power corporation that is not sufficient."
However, I believe that is the case we are presently in. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation debt is rapidly increasing, and it doesn't seem like this change to a board of deputy ministers has addressed the underlying root cause. In our capital budget, we have millions and millions of dollars in power infrastructure, another rate increase is coming, and it doesn't seem that the systemic problem of providing power that is paid for by ratepayers is at all being addressed.
I know this system is not working. We have one of the highest rates of power in the Northwest Territories. In June 2016, then Minister Louis Sebert committed to a governance review looking at the board of directors and to bring that back and see a full governance model to get an arm's-length board, perhaps, and see if this could be addressed. Once again, Minister Shane Thompson, at the time, repeatedly was asked to come up with a governance model, and there was some back and forth about whether any direction was being provided to that board of deputy ministers.
One of the problems, I believe, is it's often said that these deputy ministers aren't arm's-length. That's a problem in itself; and they're not completely free from political direction. If I was the Minister of the Power Corporation, I would expand their mandate into heating; I would prevent ministerial directions to them, and that's failed to happen. Madam Chair, I'm seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
--Unanimous consent granted
Here we are, four and a half years later, we still have a power corporation that has not addressed its underlying financial problems. We still have a board of deputy ministers. No governance review has been conducted. We now, once again, have a new Minister who has been passed the responsibility of completing this work. I believe this Assembly must look into the governance review, must conduct a full review of the Power Corporation, and let's look at some of those underlying problems that means we continue to have an arm's-length corporation that runs a deficit year after year. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Madam Speaker. Today, I'm going to talk about dental services in the smaller communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has stalled much of our government's programs and services. Even the simple services like renewing your driver's licence, for example, or getting a dental cleaning has become a much more difficult task to complete compared to pre-COVID times.
Just yesterday, Madam Speaker, there was a CBC article published which described an increasingly dire situation regarding dental services for small communities in the NWT. In fact, two of the four communities that were mentioned in this article, Lutselk'e and Deninu Kue, are directly affected by this, and that is not okay with me.
Madam Speaker, the issue is that dentists are simply not being permitted to do their normal work in the smaller communities as they would normally do prior to COVID. Some patients have not seen a dentist since February, and that's almost 10 months ago. This is unacceptable.
Madam Speaker, I'm not the only one who is worried about the situation, but the dental community and even the federal government are concerned about it, too. Dentists want to see and help their patients because that's what they're there for, they made an oath, and that's what other medical professions do. Why are we enforcing some of the most stringent dental guidelines in the country when our small communities have only one treatment room? This is something to consider and unrealistic, I know. There is a capacity issue there, as well.
Madam Speaker, another aspect of this situation I'm concerned about are the medical travel costs of flying all our referred patients from their home communities into Yellowknife to receive dental services. This current system is not cost-efficient and not sustainable for the long term. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I urge our government, our department, to work with the dental community, the federal government, and create a different arrangement for providing dental services to people in the small communities. That's for the remainder of the pandemic, and there are other aspects to think about, such as NHIV and that's another thing to consider, as well. With that, Madam Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services today. Marsi cho.
Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Madam Speaker, it is with great joy and sadness that I learnt of Mark Gerlock's retirement from Enbridge in Fort Simpson. His dedication and service throughout the past years in the Northwest Territories has been greatly appreciated by the residents of the region and myself.
Mark has worked in the North for 43 years with 36 of them with Enbridge. Mark had worked road maintenance and construction for seven years before wanting to better himself and develop his career. He applied for the pipeline position with Interprovincial Pipelines in Fort Simpson in 1984, now known as Enbridge. Mark's devotion and positive attitude throughout his career at Enbridge has not gone unnoticed and will be sadly missed by his colleagues and communities across the region. Mark's loyalty to the position has proven effective to his fellow colleagues as they thrive in their day to day responsibilities largely due to Mark's example.
Madam Speaker, Mark is a source of encouragement to help people better themselves and build their strengths not only professionally but personally. His kindness, courtesy, and passionate attitude was always apparent as he dealt with various issues.
Mark spent eight years working on the Fort Simpson Ambulance as a first responder and I had the pleasure of working with him for a couple of years. I'd like to thank him for the years of service to the community and ensuring that residents received excellent emergency services during this time.
Mark was a powerful force to be reckoned with during his years of playing in the Fort Simpson Rec Hockey Team and now in the Old Timers League. I'm able lucky to call him a teammate and most importantly a line mate. Look forward many more years on the ice together. As a true community champion, Mark also dedicated himself to coaching the younger athletes to share his skills and knowledge of the sport.
Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank Mark for everything that he has accomplished, and I would like to congratulate him on his retirement and I wish him the best in the years to come. I know his wife and daughter look forward to having his full attention and some tasks to keep him busy. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Merci, Madame la Presidente. Your Standing Committee on Roles and Procedures is pleased to provide its report on remote sittings.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures is pleased to report on remote sittings.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented new difficulties and challenges to legislative assemblies. On June 10, 2020, the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act was amended to add Section 4.1 which:
Allows the Legislative Assembly to conduct all or part of a session by video- or teleconference if the Speaker believes exceptional circumstances require it.
The Speaker may allow a Member to participate remotely for all or part of a session.
A Member participating remotely may vote as though they were present in person.
During the debate on this amendment, it was noted the Speaker would need some guidance on how and when to use his or her discretion. On August 12, 2020, the Speaker wrote to the committee with three questions for consideration:
What exceptional circumstances would warrant conducting a sitting by way of teleconference or videoconference?
In what circumstances would it be appropriate for the Speaker to authorize an individual Member to participate in all or a portion of a sitting by teleconference or videoconference?
What practices, policies, or rule amendments would be required to address the situation of a Member appearing and voting by teleconference or videoconference who loses their connection?
The committee discussed each question at length, and this report lays out the committee's position and recommendations on each question, as well as other changes to the rules that should be considered.
Madam Speaker, I'd like to turn it over now to the Member for Hay River South to continue the report.
Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
When should a session be held remotely?
The committee discussed several potential scenarios, including severe weather, pandemics, massive travel disruptions, the loss of the Assembly building, and declared states of emergency. The committee agreed that states of emergency declared under the Emergency Management Act or the Public Health Act could be a reason to hold part or all of a session virtually. The committee decided against an exhaustive list of other scenarios and felt it best that the Speaker consult with the Executive Council and Members and then make a decision. Therefore, the committee recommends:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the rules of the Assembly authorize the Speaker to conduct part or all of a session remotely using an approved platform in the event of a state of emergency declared for the entire territory under the Emergency Management Act, or a public health emergency declared under the Public Health Act.
Further, that the rules authorize the Speaker to convene part or all of a session remotely if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the health, safety, or well-being of Members would be at risk by meeting in person.
The committee also discussed whether a remote sitting would require the Speaker or Deputy Speaker to preside from the Chamber with the Mace. The committee decided that making the Speaker or Deputy Speaker travel to preside over the sitting was unnecessary.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Mace, as a symbol of the authority of the people of the Northwest Territories, should be placed in the Chamber on its normal stand, if possible, and, if not, displayed in another manner in keeping with its symbolic significance during any remote sitting of the Assembly.
The committee decided against making a formal recommendation on whether table officers need to be in the Chamber, leaving that decision to the discretion of the Speaker.
When should a Member be allowed to attend a session remotely?
The committee had a lengthy discussion on what reasons an individual Member may have to appear remotely for a sitting. The committee discussed whether the Speaker should have the discretion to approve any reason or if the committee should provide some guidance. The committee felt that being an elected Member is both a privilege and a responsibility. The committee believes that Members should make every available effort to be present in person when the House is sitting.
The committee discussed when it would be appropriate for a Member to attend remotely. It was agreed that the Speaker should only allow a Member to attend remotely upon request of that Member. The committee felt that the guidelines to attend remotely should be clear, consistent, and narrow. The committee believes any absence from the territory for personal travel was not reasonable grounds to allow a Member to attend remotely. The committee felt that Members travelling for official business should not be expected to attend remotely.
The committee agreed on the following reasons for a Member appearing remotely:
a state of emergency in the Member's home community that prevented travel;
an order of the Chief Public Health Officer prohibiting the Member's travel; and
any other time when the Speaker believes the Member's safety or health would be at risk.
Therefore, the committee makes the following recommendation:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the rules authorize the Speaker to allow a Member to attend all or part of a session remotely when that Member is unable to travel due to a state of emergency being declared in the Member's home community; the Member is under an order of the Chief Public Health Officer prohibiting travel; or the Speaker believes travel would put the Member's health or safety at risk.
Madam Speaker, I will now turn it over to the Member for Nahendeh. Thank you.
Thank you. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
What practices, policies, or rule amendments are required for a Member participating by teleconference or videoconference?
Any Member participating remotely has the same rights and privileges as if they were physically present in the Chamber.
The committee discussed various issues that could affect a remote sitting, including experiences of other legislatures during the pandemic. There are several rules that will need to be revised to allow for remote sittings. Other rules need to be clarified, and some new rules are needed. The committee is also recommending revised Orders of the Day for when the House is meeting remotely.
Rule 12(10) states, "When in the Assembly every Member shall be attired in traditional Indigenous attire or in a manner that does not offend the dignity of the Assembly." While it should be clear that any Member appearing remotely should follow this rule, the committee also believes some flexibility should be used when interpreting this rule, as Members may not have their normal business clothing with them. Therefore, the committee makes the following recommendation:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 12(10) apply when a Member is appearing remotely.
The committee discussed examples from other legislatures and their committees which could have an impact on House proceedings. These included family members interrupting a Member when on a teleconference or videoconference; campaign materials being visible on screen; pets blocking the camera; and other behaviours that would not be acceptable if they happened in the Chamber. The committee felt that there should be no unnecessary distractions to the House by a Member appearing remotely.
To minimize the amount of background noise and to ensure a Member is heard as clearly as possible, the committee makes the following recommendation:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that training and orientation for online sittings should be provided. Furthermore, the Board of Management should look at providing a headset to each Member to ensure consistency and any Member attending remotely be required to wear a headset.
The committee felt it would be inappropriate for a Member appearing remotely by videoconference to have anything onscreen that could be considered a prop, display, or exhibit. This would include items such as election signs, anything that could be considered commercial advertising, or a visually distracting background. Legislative Assembly staff should investigate a consistent or common background that could be used by all Members. Therefore, the committee makes the following recommendation:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that any Member attending remotely by videoconference be required to have a neutral background on screen.
Further, if the Speaker determines a background is distracting to the House, the Speaker be empowered to order the Member to rectify the issue and, if the Member refuses, to turn off the Member's video and allow the Member to participate via audio only.
The committee discussed how best to conduct voting when all or some Members are participating remotely. The main concerns were making sure that all Members are able to vote and what to do if a Member is disconnected before or during a vote.
As the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act allows teleconference or videoconference options, the committee felt the best way to vote was by recorded vote instead of relying on a visual count. The clerk would call upon each Member to vote, the Member would say how they are voting, the clerk would record the vote and move on to the next Member. As there are many routine voice votes during a sitting day, the committee felt that only those votes dealing with bills or motions should be recorded.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, whenever a Member is attending session remotely, all votes on readings of bills or on any motion that requires notice be conducted as a recorded vote.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. At this point in time, I wish to turn the floor over to the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Thank you.
Thank you. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Madam Speaker.
In the event a Member loses their connection before voting, that Member must contact the table officer on duty as soon as possible to register their vote. If there is no response when the clerk or designate calls the Member, the clerk would call the Member two additional times and, if the Member has still not responded, proceed to the next Member and continue the vote. After the clerk has gone through the list, he or she would confirm if the Member who had lost connection has submitted a vote through alternative means and announce to the House how that Member voted. If a connection is re-established before the results of the vote are announced by the Speaker, the clerk shall call on the Member to cast their vote. The Speaker should allow three minutes from the end of the roll call for a Member to contact the table officer with their vote before announcing the results.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, when a Member attending remotely loses their connection just prior to or during a vote, the Member immediately contacts the table officer to register their vote, and that the clerk will announce to the House how that Member voted at the end of the roll call. Three minutes will be counted from the end of the roll call to when the Speaker announces the results if a Member has lost connection prior to voting to allow the Member time to contact the table officer.
The committee also discussed what should happen if a Member loses connection and is unable to contact the clerk. An example is if all telecommunications are lost in their community. Another scenario considered was if the Member, while still connected, did not respond when called to vote. In both of these cases, the committee determined that Rule 12(5) would apply, notably, "If a Member enters the Chamber when a question has been put, not realizing this is the case, they shall not vote on that question." In other words, once the Speaker calls for a vote, it is the responsibility of each Member to vote. The committee understands the difficulties of remote sittings and, therefore, makes the following recommendation:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, when conducting a roll call, the clerk call on the mover of the motion, followed by each Member attending remotely by order of their normal seat in the House, then each Member seated in the Chamber. For Members attending remotely, they will be called no more than three times for their vote before the clerk moves on to the next Member.
The committee discussed what would happen if a Member attending remotely lost their connection partway through asking a Minister a question. The committee felt that, if the Member was able to reconnect before the end of oral questions, the Speaker would allow the Member to continue their questions. If the Member could not connect before the time allowed for oral questions expired, the Member should be allowed to submit the question and up to three supplemental questions in writing and to have the question included in Hansard with a note that the question was submitted in writing due to a lost connection. The Minister would have two sitting days to respond under returns to oral questions. The committee felt that this should not be treated as taking the question as notice, as that would prevent another Member from asking a related question. The committee also felt that the submitted question should not count towards the Member's limit of written questions on the order papers.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, during oral questions, if a Member attending remotely is disconnected while asking a question, if the Member is successful in reconnecting before the allotted time expires, the Speaker will allow the Member to continue their questions. If the Member is not able to reconnect before the allotted time expires, the Member may choose to submit the full question and up to three supplemental questions in writing and that the Minister would have two sitting days in which to respond.
If a Member of the Executive Council attending remotely loses their connection during oral questions and a Member asks a question under that Minister's portfolio, the committee felt that the Premier or, in her absence, the Deputy Premier should take the question. The Premier or Deputy Premier could choose to try and answer the question or may take it as notice.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, if a Minister attending remotely loses their connection when a question has been asked to that Minister, then the question shall be redirected to the Premier or designate to respond.
The committee discussed the process for written questions. As all written questions must be filed with the clerk prior to the sitting day, the committee had no concerns with the established process being conducted remotely. The only issue committee could identify was in the event that a Member lost their connection before being able to put their written question to the House. The committee felt that the question should be announced, but not read by the clerk, and added to the order papers, as well as being printed in full in Hansard. Therefore, the committee makes the following recommendation:
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, when a Member files a written question with the Office of the Clerk, the Member should note if, in the event the Member loses their connection, the written question can be announced by the clerk and be printed in its entirety in Hansard.
With that, I will turn it over to the Member for Nunakput.
Thank you. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
The committee discussed what rules were needed for Members' and Ministers' statements during remote sittings. For Ministers statements, the committee felt that, as these were well circulated on government websites and social media, in the event a Minister was unable to conclude a statement due to lost connection, no special provisions were required.
As Members do not have the same level of support to make the public aware of a statement, the committee felt a new rule was needed for Members' statements. The committee decided that a Member participating remotely can file their statement with the clerk in writing at least one hour before the House sits. In the event a Member loses their connection while giving their statement, there are two options available. The submitted statement could be printed in Hansard with a notation, or, if the Member reconnects before the end of Members' statements, the Member can ask to be put back on the list to speak. The Member would then be allowed to conclude their statement. The statement would then be printed in full in Hansard with the first attempt printed up to the point when the Member was cut off.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, in the event a Member loses connection while delivering a Member's statement, that the Speaker ask the Member to conclude their statement once they are reconnected, provided the House has not moved to another order. In the event that the Members' statements have been concluded when the Member reconnects, the Member's statement would be printed in full at the end of Members' statements.
The committee reviewed the orders of the day for any orders that may need changes during a remote sitting of the entire Assembly. In addition to the changes already discussed in this report, the committee recommends that the following orders, or the rules associated with those orders, be amended:
Prayer
Members should remain seated during the prayer and keep a respectful demeanour.
Reports of Standing and Special Committees
Only an executive summary of the report should be read. The rest of the report will be deemed read and be printed in full in Hansard.
Replies to the Commissioner's Address
As this item allows Members to speak with no time limit on any topic, the committee felt it could present issues during a remote sitting. Since Members can make one reply at any time during a session, the committee felt it was reasonable to drop "Replies to the Commissioner's address" from the orders of the day during a fully remote sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Replies to the Budget Address
In the event that a budget address is given during a remote sitting, under the rules, there are only seven possible days a Member can reply. The committee discussed how best to deal with replies. In the event that a Member is disconnected while giving a reply, the Member can resume with the time remaining on the clock on the next day. If the Member was cut off on the last day, the Member may submit their full statement in writing, and it will be printed in full in Hansard.
Motions
During a remote sitting of the Assembly, the committee felt allowing motions to be called for three days, rather than two, before being dropped from the orders. If a Member is disconnected during a debate on a motion, that Member must make every effort to reconnect. The proceedings will not be halted, and if the Member is unable to reconnect, they can contact the table officers to record their vote. All votes will be recorded votes conducted pursuant to recommendation 9.
Second Reading of Bills
Members will have the option of submitting a written statement to the purpose of the Bill that will be printed in full in Hansard.
Recommendation 14
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the House adopt a revised daily order of business in the Rules of the Legislative Assembly for a remote sitting, pursuant to the changes listed in this report.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will now pass it down to my colleague, the Chair of the committee, Mr. O'Reilly.
Thank you, Member. Member for Frame Lake.
