Rocky Simpson on Committee Motion 220-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development report on the Child and Family Services Act - Lifting NWT Children, Youth and Families: An All of Territory Approach to Keeping Families Together - Overrepresentation of Indigenous Children and Youth in Child and Family Services, Carried

In the Legislative Assembly on March 31st, 2022. See this statement in context.

Committee Motion 220-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development report on the Child and Family Services Act - Lifting NWT Children, Youth and Families: An All of Territory Approach to Keeping Families Together - Overrepresentation of Indigenous Children and Youth in Child and Family Services, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

March 31st, 2022

Page 4256

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Committee Report 26-19(2).

During committee's consideration, the Member for Range Lake rose on a Point of Order pursuant to 3.2(3)(i), stating that the Member for Yellowknife North was imputing false or hidden motives to a Member by stating that, and I quote, "If all these children in care were white, there would be a whole-of-government approach. It is completely insane to think that this is not the case. This is how systemic racism works. We know that. This government has repeatedly acknowledged systematic racism." End of quote.

Prior to this exchange, I had ruled on a Point of Order raised by the Member for -- by the Member for Range Lake against the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes as similar comments were out of order and recognized while Members are passionate about this issue, we must remain respectful.

I advised the Member for Yellowknife North that his comments were out of order and asked him to apologize. The Member refused.

I asked the Member a second time and he refused; in effect, challenging the chair.

Pursuant to Rule 3.4(4), I have suspended proceedings and am reporting these circumstances to the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you rule on this matter so that Committee of the Whole can resume its consideration of Committee Report 26-19(2). Thank you.

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