What I believe has happened here is that there have been some very egregious examples in the past of MLAs really crossing the line and getting political with staff. I believe the spectrum has swung to the full other side of the spectrum where simple, technical questions that are better suited to a phone call go through multiple email chains. I would encourage the Premier to look at this policy and try and change the culture such that, sometimes, the nuanced conversation can happen over the phone. My next question is: I recognize some of the limitations in myself as an MLA in talking to public servants, but I believe also this limitation has been more and more imposed on journalists. My question is: are journalists allowed to pick up the phone and talk to any member in the public service? For example, could a journalist talk to the lead negotiator for Akaitcho, a member in the Premier's own department?
Rylund Johnson on Question 322-19(2): Communications within Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
In the Legislative Assembly on June 10th, 2020. See this statement in context.
Question 322-19(2): Communications within Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
Oral Questions
June 10th, 2020
Page 1127
See context to find out what was said next.