Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Register of Future Electors

During the 2022 Tu-Nedhe-Wiilideh by-election, Elections NWT noted that only four people under the age of 21 cast ballots. All four were registered to vote during the by-election and were not on the voters list. It was noted that anyone who turned 18 after the 2019 general election was not included on the voters list. The CEO notes that eight other jurisdictions in Canada, including the Yukon, have the legislated authority to create a registry of future electors. These registers allow youth aged 16 and 17 to register with an electoral agency. Once registered, on their 18th birthday they are transferred to the general voters list.

Elections NWT data revealed that on July 1, 2021 there were 1,659 adults between the ages of 18 and 20 in the NWT, but only 73 people on the voters list are in the same age group. This means only 4 percent of adults aged 18 to 20 are registered to vote on the voters list. The CEO noted that Elections NWT has limited methods to try and find those voters and register them. Creating a registry of future electors would be one way to engage youth before they come of age to vote.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to allow Elections NWT to create a registry of future electors, allowing youth aged 16 and 17, to register with the same information as permitted under s. 54(2) of the Act.

Other issues raised by the Chief Electoral Officer

Elections Rebate Program

The Legislative Assembly previously recommended the Act be amended to include an election rebate program. While working to implement this recommendation, the CEO noted an issue where a candidate who contributes to their own campaign could potentially receive both a rebate of those funds under the new program as well as a tax credit from the Canada Revenue Agency. Committee believes that where a candidate receives a tax credit from the Canada Revenue Agency, they should not be entitled to a rebate for those same funds. Only one benefit should be accessible.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that implementing an election rebate program authorized under the Elections and Plebiscites Act, the Chief Electoral Officer ensures candidates are not be able to claim a rebate for any money they donate to their own campaign that is also eligible for a tax credit from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to turn the report over to the Member for Frame Lake. Mahsi cho.