Merci, Monsieur le President.

Review of the Official Languages Act

In their written submissions, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Ms. Mary Rose Sundberg indicated a need to reinstate interpreter and translator training programs. Both submissions advocate for a decentralized approach to providing this training that will allow for accreditation in the field. Ms. Mary Rose Sundberg indicated a need for the Government of the Northwest Territories to re-open a languages bureau. Committee believes these are issues worthy of consideration but recognizes these issues are beyond the scope of this review.

Recommendation 8

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Standing Committee on Government Operations consider the issues of interpreter and translator training and accreditation and the possibility of a future Government of the Northwest Territories languages bureau in the context of its review of the Official Languages Act.

CONCLUSION

[Translation] The committee finds the lack of interpretation in Tlicho on March 10, 2020, impeded or prevented the Member for Monfwi from performing his parliamentary functions as a Member. The committee has made recommendations that it believes will assist the Assembly in avoiding any similar situation in the future.

Committee thanks Mr. Batiste Foisy for appearing at the public hearing on November 17, 2020, and thanks Mr. Jackson Lafferty, Member for Monfwi; Dene Nation; Gwich'in Tribal Council; Yellowknives Dene First Nation; and Ms. Mary Rose Sundberg for their written submissions on this matter. This concludes the committee's report on its review of Motion 5-19(2): Referral of Point of Privilege Raised by Member for Monfwi on March 10, 2020. [Translation ends]

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.