Debates of June 12, 2020 (day 32)

Date
June
12
2020
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
32
Members Present
Hon. Frederick Blake Jr, Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Martselos, Hon. Katrina Nokleby, Mr. Norn, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Diane Thom, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek
Topics
Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that Bill 10, Temporary Variation of Statutory Time Periods (COVID-19 Pandemic Measures) Act, be read for the third time. Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recorded Vote

Speaker: Mr. Mercer

The Member for Yellowknife South, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Hay River North, the Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Frame Lake, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Monfwi, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The results of the recorded vote: 17 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 10 has had third reading. Members, before we adjourn today's sitting, I wish to say some final words.

Our Assembly was one of the first in Canada to resume full operations with all Members in attendance. Congratulations. Other legislatures have operated with minimum numbers of Members. Political parties selected those who were allowed to attend. Our consensus government does not work that way. Although we may not always agree, consensus requires that each Member be heard.

In making it possible for us all to attend, I want to acknowledge and thank Kim Wickens, the deputy clerk, Members' and precinct services, and her team. This includes Brian Thagard, the Sergeant-at-Arms; Derek Edjericon, deputy Sergeant-at-Arms; Michael Butt, security supervisor; and all the security team for their hard work, professionalism, and problem-solving in coming up with a plan for us all to attend this sitting safely.

Members, the months of isolation, stress, and trying to keep our residents informed during this pandemic took a toll on all of us. When we returned, this affected us all. I am proud of how Members overcame challenges, moved forward, and got the important work of government done. I encourage all of you to reflect on what you have accomplished in the last three weeks:

a full budget for the government was reviewed and passed;

two supplementary appropriations were reviewed and passed;

Bill 10 was passed to allow for adjustment of legislative timelines during the pandemic;

standing committees delivered three committee reports, with 18 motions adopted; and

the House adopted a motion calling for a Northwest Territories seniors' and elders' strategy.

Members, we would not have completed this work without the dedicated staff of the departments and Legislative Assembly who have worked hard, both here in the building and at home, to support our efforts.

Today, the Northwest Territories will enter phase 2 of Emerging Wisely. As we look forward to the summer ahead, I encourage all Members and residents to continue to practice safe hygiene practices and physical distancing. It is a time for us all to spend time with our friendship and family circles.