Colleagues, after consideration of the matter, I wish to give my ruling on the point of order raised by the Government House Leader on June 17, 2016, regarding comments made by the Member for Yellowknife Centre on the previous day. I recognize that we have a great deal of business before us, so I will endeavour to be brief.
In raising the point of order, the government House Leader cited Rule 24(k) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly, "use of abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder."
I have now had the opportunity to review the unedited transcripts from June 16, 2016, and have carefully considered the remarks which gave rise to the point of order. In her Member’s statement, the Member for Yellowknife Centre stated that recent increases to Government of the Northwest Territories' sole--source contracting limits "raise the possibility of malfeasance and corruption in the spending of public funds," and further stated that, "these elevated amounts increase the possibility of kickbacks and preferment."
I am guided by the second edition of the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 2009, which states at page 619: "In dealing with unparliam entary language, the Speaker takes into account the tone, manner and intention of the Member speaking; the person to whom the words at issue were directed, the degree of provocation; and most importantly, whether or not the remarks created disorder in the Chamber. Thus, language deemed unparliamentary one day may not necessarily be deemed un-parliamentary the following day," and further, "expressions which are considered unparliamentary when applied to an individual Member have not always been considered so when applied in a general sense."
Colleagues, it can be difficult to evaluate the words spoken by a Member in terms of tone, manner, and intention. As Speaker of the House, I must trust that all Members will choose their words with care and attention and also to speak with integrity and also respect. As Members of this House, we enjoy and are protected by parliamentary privileges when we speak in this House. When we exercise this privilege, we must do so in a manner that is fitting for this House, and demonstrates respect for the people that we represent.
Whether or not a statement made in this House violates the rules of this Assembly, our words can have unintended consequences. Every time we speak we must carefully consider our words and the impacts they may have. Our freedom of speech as Members does not outweigh our responsibilities to this House, our colleagues, and the people of the Northwest Territories.
After careful consideration of the Member's comments, as set out in the unedited Hansard as well as remarks during the debate on the point of order, I conclude that there is no point of order at this point.
There is no doubt that the Member for Yellowknife Centre used strong and inflammatory language to describe the possibility of a very serious issue. However, on its own, such language does not necessarily constitute a violation of the rules of this Assembly.
During debate on the point of order, the Member for Yellowknife Centre reiterated her view that recent increases to Government of the Northwest Territories sole-source contracting limits increases the risk of "improper conduct" but went on to recognize that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been vigilant in responding to this increased risk. At no point did the Member state that any individual is guilty of a violation of the law or Government of the Northwest Territories' procurement policies.
Democracy relies on a certain level of tension between the various branches of government. In our consensus system, we try to keep that tension at a healthy and productive level. While there is no point of order, I caution the Member, and all Members of this House, to choose their words carefully in the future. I would just like to say masi.
Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.