Thank you, Member from Range Lake. To the principal of the bill.

Question has been called. Member from Yellowknife Centre has asked for a recorded vote. All those in favour, please stand.

All those opposed, please stand.

All those abstaining please stand. Colleagues, 16 in favour. One opposed. Zero abstentions. The motion is carried. Bill 49 has been read a second time and is referred to the standing committee of the Assembly for further consideration.

---Carried

Second reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Bill 52, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2026-2027, be read for the second time.

This bill makes supplementary appropriations for infrastructure expenditures of the Government of the Northwest Territories for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried. Bill 52 has been read a second time and is ready for a third reading.

---Carried

Second reading of bills. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, Bill 32, Supplementary Estimates (Operations Estimates), No. 1, Bill 48, with the Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh in the chair.

I now call the Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish? I am going to go to the Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the committee wishes to consider Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act No. 2; Tabled Document 522-20(1), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2026-2027; and, Bill 48, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Does committee agree?

Okay, thank you. We'll take a short 10-minute recess.

---SHORT RECESS

Committee, we have agreed to consider Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, No. 2. I will ask the Minister of Finance to introduce the bill. Minister will make her opening comments.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to appear before you to speak to Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act No. 2. Before I begin, I want to thank the Standing Committee on Government Operations for their very thorough review of this bill.

The Public Service Act is the legislative backbone of our government's operations. It outlines how we hire, manage, and support the dedicated individuals who serve residents of the Northwest Territories. However, the last time this Act was substantively revised was in 1988. Since then, our workplaces have evolved, and it is time that our legislation reflect modern public sector practices.

Bill 32 proposes comprehensive amendments intended to improve the clarity and transparency and as well introduce gender-neutral language throughout.

Bill 32 clarifies roles and responsibilities. While ultimate accountability remains with the Minister responsible for the Public Service, the bill legislatively recognizes the deputy minister of finance as the primary authority for public service management.

It also empowers deputy heads to manage their departments directly and effectively. Amendments to the Act provide a clearer framework for engagement between the GNWT and employees' associations by setting out specific recourse for unfair labour practices, filling a critical gap in the current legislation.

To better support fairness in our processes, the bill moves the eligibility criteria for staffing appeals directly into the Act itself.

And, finally, it introduces safe disclosure for all public servants. These protections will provide residents and the government enhanced security by ensuring that employees who see wrongdoing can speak up without fear it would affect their career or result in a reprisal against them.

To guarantee impartiality and confidentiality, this process will now be administered by a public interest disclosure officer, an independent third party completely external to the Department of Finance.

Bill 32 introduces impactful and overdue changes. It will advance security and confidence in the operations of government for employees and residents alike, while clarifying the balance of power, streamlining processes, and strengthening oversight.

This concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. I would be pleased to answer questions the Members may have.

Thank you. Minister, would you like to bring witnesses into the chambers?

Yes, please, Mr. Chair.

Does the committee agree?

Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the chamber.

Minister, would you please introduce your witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, happy to do so. On my left Bill McKay, deputy minister of finance. And on my right, Laura Jeffery, legislative counsel for the Department of Justice.