Thank you, Madam Speaker.
When should a session be held remotely?
The committee discussed several potential scenarios, including severe weather, pandemics, massive travel disruptions, the loss of the Assembly building, and declared states of emergency. The committee agreed that states of emergency declared under the Emergency Management Act or the Public Health Act could be a reason to hold part or all of a session virtually. The committee decided against an exhaustive list of other scenarios and felt it best that the Speaker consult with the Executive Council and Members and then make a decision. Therefore, the committee recommends:
Recommendation 1
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the rules of the Assembly authorize the Speaker to conduct part or all of a session remotely using an approved platform in the event of a state of emergency declared for the entire territory under the Emergency Management Act, or a public health emergency declared under the Public Health Act.
Further, that the rules authorize the Speaker to convene part or all of a session remotely if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the health, safety, or well-being of Members would be at risk by meeting in person.
The committee also discussed whether a remote sitting would require the Speaker or Deputy Speaker to preside from the Chamber with the Mace. The committee decided that making the Speaker or Deputy Speaker travel to preside over the sitting was unnecessary.
Recommendation 2
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Mace, as a symbol of the authority of the people of the Northwest Territories, should be placed in the Chamber on its normal stand, if possible, and, if not, displayed in another manner in keeping with its symbolic significance during any remote sitting of the Assembly.
The committee decided against making a formal recommendation on whether table officers need to be in the Chamber, leaving that decision to the discretion of the Speaker.
When should a Member be allowed to attend a session remotely?
The committee had a lengthy discussion on what reasons an individual Member may have to appear remotely for a sitting. The committee discussed whether the Speaker should have the discretion to approve any reason or if the committee should provide some guidance. The committee felt that being an elected Member is both a privilege and a responsibility. The committee believes that Members should make every available effort to be present in person when the House is sitting.
The committee discussed when it would be appropriate for a Member to attend remotely. It was agreed that the Speaker should only allow a Member to attend remotely upon request of that Member. The committee felt that the guidelines to attend remotely should be clear, consistent, and narrow. The committee believes any absence from the territory for personal travel was not reasonable grounds to allow a Member to attend remotely. The committee felt that Members travelling for official business should not be expected to attend remotely.
The committee agreed on the following reasons for a Member appearing remotely:
- a state of emergency in the Member's home community that prevented travel;
- an order of the Chief Public Health Officer prohibiting the Member's travel; and
- any other time when the Speaker believes the Member's safety or health would be at risk.
Therefore, the committee makes the following recommendation:
Recommendation 3
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the rules authorize the Speaker to allow a Member to attend all or part of a session remotely when that Member is unable to travel due to a state of emergency being declared in the Member's home community; the Member is under an order of the Chief Public Health Officer prohibiting travel; or the Speaker believes travel would put the Member's health or safety at risk.
Madam Speaker, I will now turn it over to the Member for Nahendeh. Thank you.