Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh that Bill 3, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is divided into four parts. Part 1 sets out general provisions respecting the electoral districts in the Northwest Territories and the Legislative Assembly and its Members and provides for the indemnities and allowances payable to Members and the expenses for which Members may be reimbursed. It also continues the Management and Services Board as the Legislative Assembly Board of Management and sets out the power and duties of that Board of Management. Further, part 1 sets out general provisions respecting the Speaker and the office of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, part 2 provides for the establishment of the Executive Council and the appointments of its Members and the selection of the Premier. It also provides for the appointment of a Deputy Premier and the Ministers of the Executive Government. In addition, part 2 sets out the powers and duties of the Deputy Premier and clarifies the termination date of the terms of office of the Premier, Deputy Premier, Ministers and Members of the Executive Council.
Part 3 requires Members of the Legislative Assembly to avoid any conflict of interest in the performance of their duties and establishes rules governing the conduct of Members where conflict of interest arises. Special requirements apply to the Speaker and to Ministers including restrictions on a former Speaker or Minister contracting with the department for which they were previously responsible. Part 3 further provides for the appointment of a Conflict of Interest Commissioner who will advise Members, review the disclosure statements filed by Members and prepare public disclosure statements and investigate complaints against Members. After an investigation the Conflict of Interest Commissioner may dismiss a complaint or refer to a sole adjudicator for inquiry. The report of a sole adjudicator will be transmitted to the Legislative Assembly for final disposition.
Mr. Speaker, part 4 consequentially amends the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act, and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act, to ensure that the terminology used in those acts is consistent with part 1 of this bill.
Finally, the current Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act is repealed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.