Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Using Official Languages in the Chamber

In ruling on the matter of privilege, Speaker Blake referenced a similar situation that arose in the 11^th Legislative Assembly. On October 26, 1989, day 7 of the 5^th session of the 11^th Assembly, the Member for Rae-Lac La Martre spoke in an official language for which interpretation was not available. Another Member rose on a point of order. Then-Speaker Nerysoo adjourned the House until such a time as interpretation could be provided. In his decision to adjourn for the day, Speaker Nerysoo noted that the rules of the Legislative Assembly at that time expressly provided that a Member had the "right to speak and be understood in his own language."

Our current rules are silent on the right to use and be understood in our official languages. However, the Official Languages Act provides that everyone has the right to use official languages in the debates and other proceedings of the Legislative Assembly. Committee believes that the right to use official languages in the Assembly, as provided for in the act, necessarily implies the right to be understood by those Members who do not speak the language. In the submissions received by committee, many agreed with this position. The Gwich'in Tribal Council noted, "If what is said is not understood, then speech is essentially equivalent to silence." Further, in their submission, the Dene Nation stated:

"The speakers of these languages deserve the ability to fully participate in the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly as elected representatives of their communities, free from discrimination... the use and recognition of the NWT's Official Languages sets important precedents for the ways in which language is used and adopted across the territories."

Recognizing the importance of our official languages to the speakers of these languages and the cultures they represent, committee believes that our rules should be amended.

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended to clearly state the right to use any official language when speaking in the Assembly, and further, that this right necessarily implies the right to be understood by those Members who do not speak that language. Further, committee recommends that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended to reflect the right of Members to receive interpretation of any official language.

Recommendation 2

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended to clearly state that documents in any official language may be tabled in the Assembly.

Using Official Languages in Committee Meetings

The public hearing held by committee on November 17, 2020, related to this matter offered simultaneous interpretation in French and Tlicho. In recent years, it had been uncommon to have interpretation for committee meetings, other than for public hearings on legislative or other initiatives, taking place in smaller communities. Rule 92 of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly states, "The Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly shall be observed in committees insofar as they are applicable." However, committee recognizes that it is not currently feasible to provide simultaneous interpretation in all official languages at committee meetings. The reasons for this include physical limitations of the Legislative Assembly building and its committee rooms; the number of and availability of qualified interpreters; and the number of committee meetings held, some of which are frequently scheduled on short notice.

Committee recognizes that Members and witnesses appearing before committees have the right to use an official language. Until such a time when it is feasible to provide simultaneous interpretation of all committee proceedings, committee believes interpretation should be offered to Members and witnesses in advance of any meeting. Committee believes that a one-week notice of request for interpretation for any committee proceedings is reasonable. Committee also believes that efforts to provide appropriate interpretation should be increased for public standing and special committee meetings taking place outside of the capital.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that simultaneous interpretation of committee proceedings into any official language should be made available to Members or witnesses appearing before committee, with a one-week notice and, further, that the availability of this service should be communicated clearly with Members and any witnesses.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Assembly should increase efforts to provide interpretation into regionally appropriate official languages when standing and special committees hold public meetings in Communities outside of the Capital.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to turn the report over to the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.