Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the standing committee on rules, procedures and privileges, under authority given to it by this House, has embarked on the comprehensive review of the Rules of the House. The last comprehensive review of the rules was done by the special committee on rules, procedures and privileges during the loth Legislative Assembly. The committee intends to incorporate changes that will better reflect the cultural diversity of the NWT, eliminate grammatical inconsistencies and gender bias and incorporate any now rule changes that will allow the House to perform its duties in a more effective and efficient manner.
Mr. Speaker, the committee presents this interim report to advise the House of its progress and to outline the issues raised to date by the Members and staff. The nature of this review requires that the contribution and comments of Members be obtained as fully as is possible so that their opinions may be considered by the committee. Since our meeting in March, Mr. Speaker, the committee has been soliciting the comments and suggestions of all Members with respect to amendments to the rules. A questionnaire was sent to all Members in early May to request Members' thoughts on amendments that might address the goals of the review. That questionnaire was followed by interviews with Members, the majority of whom have now been approached for additional comments.
In our report, the committee is sharing with this House the topics that have been suggested for its consideration by Members and staff. Along with more technical suggestions, the following topics have been suggested by Members and staff for the committee's consideration:
1) a time limit for responses to written questions;
2) a requirement that returns to written questions and extended adjournment or prorogation be filed with the Clerk;
3) a time limit for responses to oral questions and questions taken as notice;
4) Members' statements. Suggestions have been made with respect to increasing the time limit: to leave the time frame open; to leave it open but with an overall time limit; to increase the limit for Members' statements. Suggestions have been made for increases to three, three and a half, four or even five minute limits, and to increase the time limit only for the statements that are given in an aboriginal language.
5) Oral questions. The committee was asked to consider that we leave question period open and set a rule which allows a sufficient preamble to be given.
6) a procedure to allow emergency debate or discussion on topical issues;
7) a procedure for the election of Speaker and the Executive Council;
8) a section in the Rules for procedural information;
9) a procedure for assenting to bills;
10) Sitting hours. A suggestion was made that the committee consider allocating one day per week for committee and constituency work rather than sitting;
11) Order and decorum. The committee was asked to consider allowing coffee within the committee of the whole and the reading of newspapers within the House;
12) guidelines for television, If approved;
13) a review of all rules in light of the Official Languages Act;
14) tabled documents section to permit tabling and to indicate what may be said by a Member;
15) deletion of the rules on private bills;
16) tighter rules with respect to security and objects allowed to be brought into the House.
17) Cultural issues. The committee was asked to consider whether the rules should reflect cultural rules or procedures of aboriginal or community meetings, the attire of House officers, the requirement that Members bow to the Mace. Suggestions were that this requirement be removed and that a native symbol be added to, or substituted for, the mace. The bells. A suggestion was made that the bells be replaced with another sound, maybe drums.
Mr. Speaker, the committee has also considered specific amendments to the rules that would replace the terms which reflect gender biases and correct the grammatical inconsistencies which are presently within the rules. However, it was the opinion of the committee that within the context of a comprehensive review, It would be appropriate and timely to undertake a reassessment of the rules to simplify the language and sentence structure. This should contribute toward the efficiency and effectiveness of the House by making some rules clearer in meaning and by easing translation.
Mr. Speaker, a referral was received from the caucus that the standing committee review and report on the topic "the conduct of Members." The committee's review has begun with work toward the preparation of a report which will examine the scope of the privileges of Members and the House, as well as the relationship between the Legislative Assembly and the judiciary. Following completion of the report, the committee will consider the devolvement of guidelines to Members.
Mr. Speaker, your committee encourages input from Members in Its efforts to develop more effective and appropriate rules. The committee will report further on our discussions in due course. Thank you.
Motion To Receive Committee Report 15-12(2),
Carried
Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Iqaluit, that this interim report be received by the House.