The standing committee also recognizes that should the requirement to bow be removed, those who choose to continue to recognize the symbol of the mace by bowing may do so. The mace could continue to function in its current role in House proceedings.
The standing committee is of the view that further consideration should be given to the means by which the Assembly acknowledges the authority of the Members to govern within the chamber.
The standing committee also discussed options by which proceedings of the Assembly might better reflect the tradition of aboriginal people. The committee noted that the fire is symbolic for significant gatherings of people in aboriginal culture throughout the Northwest Territories. The standing committee is of the opinion that consideration should be given as to how the proceedings of the Assembly could embody this symbol.
Other symbols presently used in the Legislative Assembly were also raised for the standing committee's review, including the bells and the dress of the Speaker and the Clerks.
Consideration was given to the possibility of dress that would reflect aboriginal traditions. The committee recognizes that the current dress of the Clerks hold some symbolism, as does the mace, and is mindful that this Assembly represents all groups who make the Northwest Territories their home. It is also important that there be a distinction within the Chamber between the elected Members and the Clerks who serve and advise the House, and a difference in dress is appropriate.
It was also suggested to the standing committee that drums, in alternating styles, might be used instead of the bells to call Members to the House. The committee is of the view that this option is also worthy of further consideration.
The standing committee recognizes that rule changes are not necessary in order to make alternations to the decor of the Assembly, or the dress of House officers. As these matters fall within the legal responsibility of the Management and Services Board pursuant to section 37(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, they might properly be given further consideration by the board.
Gender Bias, Grammatical Inconsistencies And Simplification Of The Rules
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges included a focus on eliminating grammatical inconsistencies and gender bias during its comprehensive review of the rules. The committee is also of the view that the rules should be examined with the objective of using simple and direct language.
The standing committee feels that the rules of the Assembly should not be drafted as if they were legislation, but should be in plain language so that they may be readily understandable by Members and by the public. Plain language would also make translation of the rules considerably easier. The standing committee has been reviewing the rules with these objectives in mind.
The standing committee is of the view that a redrafting of the rules, to be presented to the Assembly for approval in the form of a new rule book, is the most appropriate means of accomplishing these goals. The new rule book could be presented to the Assembly during this session, and would include revisions to correct grammatical inconsistencies and gender bias, and to simplify the language and sentence structure of the rules. The new rule book would also include the amendments recommended within this report that have been approved by the Assembly.