The motion is in order. To the motion?
Debates of March 8th, 2022
This is page numbers 3837 - 3896 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was indigenous.
Topics
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
Some Hon. Members
Question.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
The Chair Lesa Semmler
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Abstentions? Motion is carried.
Consideration of the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, 2022-2023 Main Estimates operating expenditures total department is deferred.
---Carried
Thank you, Minister -- or Madam Premier, and thank you to the witnesses for appearing before us. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses from the Chamber. And committee, we will take a short break to get ready for the next department. I'll ring the bells when ready.
---SHORT RECESS
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
The Chair Lesa Semmler
I now call Committee of the Whole back to order. Committee, we've agreed to consider Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023. Does the Speaker have any opening remarks?
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 8th, 2022
Page 3858
The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
I am pleased to present the 2022-2023 Main Estimates for the Legislative Assembly. Overall, the Assembly's estimates propose an increase of $992,000, or 3.9 percent, over the 2021-2022 Main Estimates.
Madam Chair, the 19th Assembly identified that the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People was a priority for this government. It states Indigenous people have the right to revitalize, use, develop, and share with their children their stories, history, languages and oral traditions. It highlights how important it is that we translate and interpret all Indigenous languages in all the proceedings.
These estimates advance the Legislative Assembly's priorities and focus on enhancements to our languages service. The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the referral on the Point of Privilege raised by Member for Monfwi on March 10th, 2020, put forward specific recommendations that this House adopt:
Under Recommendation 1
Members have the right to use any official language when speaking in the Assembly and that this right implies the right to be understood by those Members who do not speak that language. To advance this recommendation, the Assembly is seeking funding for interpreters to provide real time interpretation, along with upgraded technology within this Chamber.
Under Recommendation 3
It requires real time interpretation of committee meetings in any official language be made available to Members or witnesses appearing before committee. To advance this recommendation, upgraded technology in the committee rooms will allow interpretation services in all official languages.
Under recommendation 4
It requires an increase in efforts to provide interpretation into regional-appropriate official languages when committees hold public meetings in communities. The Assembly would now be funded to provide interpretation in our communities when public meetings are being held.
Madam Chair, as an Assembly, we have recognized that the revitalization and use of Indigenous languages are acts of reconciliation. This budget helps us do that, and I look forward to answering any questions the Members may have. Thank you.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
The Chair Lesa Semmler
Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witness to the Chamber.
Mr. Speaker, would you please introduce your witnesses.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3858
The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Madam Chair. With us today, we have our deputy clerk Ms. Kim Wickens. And clerk, Mr. Tim Mercer.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
The Chair Lesa Semmler
Thank you. Welcome. Committee has agreed to forego general comments. Does committee agree to proceed to the detail in the tabled document?
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
The Chair Lesa Semmler
Thank you. Committee, we'll defer the departmental summary and review the estimates by activity summary beginning with expenditures on behalf of Members starting on page 8. Questions?
There are no questions, Legislative Assembly, expenditures on behalf of Members, operations expenditure summary, 2022-2023 Main Estimates, $9,976,000. Does committee agree?
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
The Chair Lesa Semmler
Thank you, committee. We will now turn to page 11, Legislative Assembly office of the chief electoral officer. Any questions? Member for Hay River South.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Rocky Simpson Hay River South
Thank you, Madam Chair. Just looking at page 11 and looking at the number $650,000, and I guess it would -- and it's up, I guess, $130,000. Can the Minister just confirm why that is. Thank you.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you. With forced growth, we have $28,000 increase to the CEO's compensation as a result of the Standardization Act now entitled to pension and benefits, similar to the SRM within the public service. Also $8,000 for collective bargaining increase to staff for two members -- two positions. And also initiative of $100,000 to advance initiative space around historical figures training, communications, and educational materials to prepare for the upcoming election. Thank you.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake
Thanks, Madam Chair. I realize that these figures were put together some time ago but are we still expecting the revised estimates for the current financial year to come in on budget? And I guess the reason why I'm asking that is there's been two by-elections. So just if anybody could help me with that, that would be great. Thanks, Madam Chair.
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
Committee Motion 197-19(2): Tabled Document 561-19(2): Main Estimates 2022-2023 - Executive and Indigenous Affairs - Deferral of Department, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 3859
The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I believe the first by-election we had came within budget but we may have a slight increase in the next. But maybe for further clarification, we could turn to Ms. Wickens. Thank you.