Debates of March 11, 2025 (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned in my Member -- or sorry, my oral questions -- I think even mentioned in my Member's statement -- I have a draft joint working group terms of reference. And, again, I can't stress enough it's a draft to start a conversation off. Thank you.

Notices of Motion

Motion 51-20(1): Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the Member for Range Lake, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to immediately halt any further advancement and implementation of the new Indigenous employment policy, also known as the IEP, and return to using the affirmative action policy without delay as the primary hiring guidelines for the Government of the Northwest Territories;

And further, that the Minister of Finance engage with the Standing Committee on Government Operations prior to any further changes in the Government of the Northwest Territories' hiring policy, to discuss and seek guidance that can improve the affirmative action policy which ultimately strengthens the Government of the Northwest Territories hiring practices with the intent that supports northern Indigenous, long-term Northerners, women, persons with disabilities, as well as other marginalized communities;

And furthermore, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this motion within 120 days.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Notices of motion. Member from Yellowknife North.

Motion 52-20(1): Strengthening Support for Nurses and Healthcare Workers

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the Member for Monfwi, that the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly undertake a comprehensive review of healthcare management practices, bargaining structures and labour policies, in consultation with nurses, labour unions, independent professional associations, frontline healthcare workers, and other key stakeholders to identify and implement measures that:

reinforce workplace protections for nurses and healthcare workers, including improved work-life balance initiatives, competitive compensation, and mental health supports;

address management practices that contribute to low workplace morale, fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment;

strengthen recruitment and retention strategies for nurses and healthcare staff through focused incentives and stable workforce planning; and

increase accountability in the administration of health care in the Northwest Territories to ensure that policies reflect the realities of frontline work and lead to real improvements in working conditions in all healthcare settings including hospitals, health centres and health cabins;

And further, that the Legislative Assembly engage thoroughly with labour unions, professional associations, health agencies and Indigenous governments to ensure that these measures accurately reflect the needs of healthcare workers in the Northwest Territories;

And furthermore, that the comprehensive review of healthcare management practices, bargaining structures and labour policies, be referred to the Standing Committee on Social Development for further study.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Notices of motion. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Motion 53-20(1): Reappointment of Members to the Human Rights Adjudication Panel

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Sheldon Toner of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and Jay Sengupta of Hamilton, Ontario, be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for reappointment as members of the Human Rights Adjudication Panel, effective April 1, 2025, for a term of four years.

And, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this specific motion later today. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Notices of motion. Member from Yellowknife North.

Motion 54-20(1): Extended Adjournment of the House to May 22, 2025

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Notices of motion. Motions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice earlier today with respect to the Human Rights Adjudication Panel. Thank you.

Motions

MOTION 53-20(1): Reappointment of Members to The Human Rights Adjudication Panel, Carried

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Section 48(1) of the Human Rights Act provides for the establishment of an adjudication panel composed of at least three persons appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS Section 48(4) of the Human Rights Act provides that the members of the panel hold office, during good behaviour, for a term of four years, with the exception of the first member appointed;

AND WHEREAS, there are currently two appointments to the panel which expire March 31, 2025;

AND WHEREAS, the board of management is tasked with recommending individuals to the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Assembly is prepared to make a recommendation to the Commissioner;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Sheldon Toner of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and Jay Sengupta of Hamilton, Ontario, be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for reappointment as members of the Human Rights Adjudication Panel effective April 1, 2025, for a term of four years.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBERS

Question.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Question has been called. All those in favour? Opposed? Abstentions? Motion carried.

---Carried

First Reading of Bills

Bill 22: Legislation Act

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, I wish to present to the House Bill 22, Legislation Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister of Justice. Pursuant to Rule 8.2(3), Bill 22 is deemed to have first reading and is ready for second reading.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

I now call the Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of the committee? I'm going to go to the Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move the chair rise and report progress.

Does committee agree?

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBERS

Agreed.

Thank you. The motion's in order. To the motion.

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBERS

Question.

Question has been called. All in favour? All those opposed? Motion carried. Thank you.

---Carried

I will now rise and report progress. Thank you.

Report of Committee of the Whole