Marci cho, Mr. Speaker.
Oath of Office
Sworn oaths of office obligate Members to a standard of conduct. The Legislative Assembly’s oaths of office for Members and Ministers are set out in Schedule B of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. For example:
"I, (Member’s name), do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute the powers and trust reposed in me as a Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. So help me God."
Members’ and Ministers’ oaths are sworn before the Commissioner with due ceremony and gravity, generally with close family present, in a televised proceeding in the Chamber. This is an excellent practice that attracts considerable public attention; it can be better used to promote a high standard of conduct.
The committee recommends that a more substantial oath of office be adopted to increase Members’ focus and public attention to matters of conduct by linking the oath to additional duties, standards, and statutory requirements set out elsewhere. Newfoundland and Labrador’s Oath of Office is a good example, featuring specific links to the province’s Elections Act and the Assembly’s Code of Conduct. It is easily adapted for use in our system.
Recommendation 3
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Legislative Assembly’s Oath of Office be revised in Schedule B of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act as follows:
I, (Member’s name) do swear (or affirm) that:
a) I am fully qualified to hold the office of Member for the district of ________ to which I have been elected;
b) I have not knowingly contravened the Elections and Plebiscites Act respecting any matter in relation to my election;
c) I will faithfully, to the best of my ability, perform the duties and responsibilities of my office and will not allow any direct or indirect monetary or other personal or private interest to influence my conduct or affect my duties in public matters;
d) I hereby affirm, subscribe to, and agree to follow the Members’ Conduct Guidelines (or Members’ Code of Conduct, if applicable) adopted by the Legislative Assembly. (In the case where the oath is sworn, add “So help me god.”)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will now hand this over to the honourable Member for Thebacha.