Merci, Madame la Presidente.

Conclusion

The committee recognizes that how legislative assemblies across the country operate have had to undergo many changes due to the pandemic. The operating procedures have been adapted quickly with mixed results, with numerous technical issues that may impact individual Members or the Assembly as a whole. To ensure all Members are aware of different procedures during a partial or fully remote sitting, the committee therefore recommends:

Recommendation 15

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Legislative Assembly direct the Office of the Clerk to produce a reference guide for Members and staff outlining key changes and best practices to be used while sitting remotely. Further, that the Office of the Clerk be mandated to update the reference guide as needed as new practices are identified.

In the event of a fully remote sitting, the committee felt that a review should be done afterwards to see if any additional changes would be needed. Therefore, the committee recommends:

Recommendation 16

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that after any remote sitting, the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures be tasked with conducting a review and to provide any recommendations for improvements.

Finally, nothing proposed here limit's the Speaker's authority to manage the daily operations of the Assembly and the sittings of the House. The Speaker must retain discretion to apply the rules of the House to accommodate any Members participating remotely and to ensure the dignity of the House is upheld.

This concludes the committee's report. The committee thanks the Speaker for the opportunity to provide recommendations on this timely and important matter. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.