Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The motion reads: WHEREASlobbying government is a common activity;

ANDWHEREASit is a common public perception that powerful interests and individuals exert strong influence on governments at all levels;

AND WHEREAS most lobbying is legitimate and constructive, it is a common public perception that some lobbying may be inappropriate or contrary to the broad public interest;

AND WHEREASit is very difficult for the public to find out anything about lobbying that takes place in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREASthe additional responsibilities resulting from devolution are likely to lead to more lobbying pressure on the GNWT and even greater need for proactive transparency;

AND WHEREASa publicly accessible lobbyist registry is an effective way to improve the transparency and openness of governments by reporting who lobbies government, when and on what subject;

AND WHEREASlobbyist registries are increasingly common at the provincial and even municipal levels of government, following Canada’s lead in 1989;

AND WHEREAS the experience of these governments provides efficient examples for others to emulate and adapt to their own circumstances;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the Government of the Northwest Territories investigate the best way to implement a lobbyist registry that is publicly accessible via the Internet;

AND FURTHER, that the government provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days.