Merci, monsieur le President. It is my pleasure to present Committee Report 5-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Interim Report on the Review of Standing Committee Public Engagement and Transparency.

Introduction

By Motion 10-18(2), the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures was tasked on February 25, 2016 with recommending a process for standing committee public engagement and transparency. This motion reads: whereas the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning has expressed its support for greater public participation in the democratic process, thereby increasing opportunities for public engagement with respect to the work of the standing committees established under the Rules of the Legislative Assembly; and whereas this government has also recognized the importance of accessibility and transparency and has named a Minister Responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency; and whereas it would be beneficial for this Assembly to have a process established to guide its committees as they work to increase public engagement, becoming more accessible and transparent; and whereas the Standing Committee recognizes the process conventions currently established and adopted by this Assembly to assist all Members, within their respective roles, to work for the collective good of the people of the Northwest Territories;

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that this Assembly refers the issue of standing committee public engagement and transparency to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures to recommend a process that may be adopted by all standing committees of the 18th Assembly; and further, that the research and analysis include consultation with the public and a jurisdictional review; and furthermore, that the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures report back to the House with its recommendations during the fall 2016 sitting.

This review supports the Assembly’s desire for greater public participation in the democratic process, with increased transparency and opportunities for public engagement by standing committees. This is particularly important in the Northwest Territories where standing committees play a critical role in our unique consensus system of governance.

This interim report explores core principles for public engagement and identifies immediate actions to increase public knowledge of standing committees, their role, and the work they do. It also identifies areas which require further consideration and consultation. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to pass this on to the Member for Yellowknife Centre.