Debates of August 17, 2007 (day 12)

Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I would like to make special note of red Friday. I always like to wear red on Fridays to show my support for our troops and their families, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to participate as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in what is a unique consensus system of government. Although the consensus system has many advantages, I believe that for it to continue its relevance, it must change and evolve with the needs of the North. I strongly encourage the 16th Assembly to seriously look at changes they may be able to make to continue consensus vitality in the sense of moving forward for our future.

We are truly an anomaly, Mr. Speaker, in that our current Premier, who was acclaimed as an MLA by his constituents and then acclaimed in his position in the House, achieved becoming voted as Premier without casting one vote. Now, of course, Premier Handley has served us very well and his comments are no reflection of his performance. However, one change I believe would greatly strengthen our system of governance is if we elected our Premier at large. A Premier elected at large would have the advantage of a clear mandate from across the Northwest Territories.

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Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Premier being selected throughout the Territories would have the strength, because they could select their Cabinet Members that they see with strength to move forward. This would give our Premier the ability to pick an A-team, our star team. Mr. Speaker, the Premier could also look at that time picking a Cabinet with regional balances…

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…balancing gender balances, Mr. Speaker, and also looking at other unique strengths and individual qualifications to make the continued Cabinet even better than they are.

The ability to hire and fire Ministers would also give the Premier the power to keep Ministers in line. We pay the Premier to act in the top job. Well, let’s give them the ultimate authority, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the responsibility of ministerial performances belongs in the Premier, not the Premier putting pressure on the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, it should not be up to Regular Members to spill blood in the Assembly for the Premier when he should be doing his job.

Mr. Speaker, could I have some attention and order here?

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, our consensus style of government needs to evolve. In closing, for the NWT to continue the strength of consensus government, it must move forward with innovative approaches to make sure it is relevant for today and tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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---Applause