Legislative Assembly photo

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Crucial Fact

Historical Information Frederick Blake Jr. is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly October 2023, as MLA for Mackenzie Delta

Lost his last election, in 2023, with 35% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Prayer February 4th, 2021

Members, welcome back to the Legislative Assembly. It is a new year. I know many residents celebrated the end of 2020 as it was such a long and difficult year. However, while 2021 has brought us a vaccine and a light at the end of the COVID tunnel, we are not through this yet. I want to thank all those involved in the vaccine rollout. I also want to thank those residents who have taken the vaccine. Saying yes to the vaccine is saying yes to protecting our elders, families, and friends.

Members, our Legislative Assembly remains closed to members of the public. We sit in a modified Chamber to ensure appropriate physical distancing between us. However, we continue to broadcast and live stream our proceedings. This means people can still see the work we do each day.

In this session, we have expanded interpretation to include French, Tlicho, North Slavey, South Slavey, Chipewyan, and Inuvialuktun. We are using both in-person and remote interpreters. Members, please speak slowly and clearly to help the interpreters do their work.

As Members are aware, the Honourable Paul Delorey, a former Speaker of this Assembly, passed away on January 1, 2021. Paul leaves a legacy of service to this Assembly; to Hay River; to his favourite sport, curling; and to his family, his wife, four children, and his grandchildren. As Speaker, Paul started the tradition of the Mace tour. He would travel with the Mace into small and remote communities. This allowed residents to see the Mace up close and talk about our unique form of consensus government. I look forward to continuing the Mace tour when it is safe to do so.

I was honoured to travel to Hay River with the Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms to attend Paul's service. In his honour, we brought the Mace. It was proudly displayed in front of Paul's remains in the Catholic Church where he worshipped faithfully. On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, current and past, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Davida, their children, grandchildren, and large and loving family.

Paul was a fair and objective Speaker. He worked hard to maintain civility and decorum in this House. He did this by setting an example with his own actions and behaviour. The best way for us to honour his memory is to do the same.

I know many others have lost loved ones since we were last together. This includes the recent passing of Martin Vaneltsi-Kaye in Fort McPherson. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and communities who have lost loved ones.

Members, I wish to advise you that I have received the following message from the Honourable Margaret Thom, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories:

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of:

  • Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2021-2022;
  • Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2020-2021;
  • Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2020-2021; and
  • Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2021-2022

during the Second Session of the 19th Legislative Assembly.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.

Prayer October 15th, 2020

Members, as your Speaker, it is my pleasure to welcome you back to the Legislative Assembly today. Our Chamber remains physically distanced, and we continue to operate in this COVID-19 environment. I want to thank all Members for their cooperation. Although physically distanced from each other, we must continue to work together. That is how we can best serve the people who elected us to represent them. I look forward to the debate and discussion you will have over the next few weeks. These decisions will have a direct effect on our residents.

I remind all Members to conduct themselves in keeping with the rules of this Assembly. Show respect for one another and for this institution. As your Speaker, I will do my best to lead by example. However, it is my role to enforce our rules, and I am prepared to do so.

Although the Assembly remains closed to the public, media are welcome in the gallery. We continue to broadcast and live stream our proceedings. It is important residents see and understand the work being done.

Throughout this sitting, interpretation will be offered into Chipewyan, French, North Slavey, South Slavey, and Tlicho. I thank the interpreters for their hard work. Please be mindful and try to talk slowly so they have time to interpret.

Interpreted video of our proceedings will be broadcast on our television channel and will be available on our YouTube channel.

Members, on October 8, 2020, it was Ombud Day in Canada. This year, the Northwest Territories marked this day with an ombud in place to serve residents. Later today, I will table the first annual report of the ombud.

Now, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads:

Dear Mr. Speaker,

I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of:

  • Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2021-2022;
  • Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2020-2021

during the second session of the 19th Assembly.

Yours truly,

Margaret M. Thom, Commissioner

Thank you, Members. Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.

Prayer August 24th, 2020

Members, welcome back to the Legislative Assembly. Thank you for being here today.

Motion 10-19(2) grants me the authority to recall the House before October 15, 2020, if, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I am satisfied the public interest would be served by meeting. Last week, prior to giving notice of this recall, I consulted with the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council and was convinced that the public interest required this House to sit.

As you know, last Wednesday, the Premier revoked the Member for Great Slave's appointments as Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Minister of Infrastructure.

A Minister without portfolio is a serious question in consensus government that all Members of this House must consider.

Members, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adds to the seriousness of this situation. In this time of crisis, our residents expect us, as their elected representatives, to lead. Each of us must be the leaders our people need now. Due to the pandemic, our Chamber remains set up to allow Members to physically distance during the proceedings. I remind Members to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 by handwashing, hand sanitizing, and wearing non-medical masks when we cannot physically distance.

Members, this sitting will be a difficult one. While in this House, I ask that you conduct yourselves with the utmost respect for one another, this House, our rules, and our unique forum of consensus government. As Speaker, I will do my best to be a positive example for each of you. If you are unable to maintain an appropriate level of decorum, it will be my duty to enforce the rules, and I am prepared to do so.

The Legislative Assembly building remains closed to the public. However, the media can still attend and observe our proceedings. It is important that residents can see and understand the work being done. We continue to broadcast and live-stream our proceedings. This sitting will have interpretation in Chipewyan, French, and Tlicho languages. I want to thank our interpreters for their work.

Members, on June 15, 2020, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories gave her assent in writing to the following bills:

  • Bill 8, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2020-2021;
  • Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2020-2021; and
  • Bill 10, Temporary Variation of Statutory Time Periods (COVID-19 Pandemic Measures) Act.

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Recorded Vote June 12th, 2020

All those opposed, please rise. All those abstaining, please rise. The results of the recorded vote: 17 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 10 has had third reading. Members, before we adjourn today's sitting, I wish to say some final words.

Our Assembly was one of the first in Canada to resume full operations with all Members in attendance. Congratulations. Other legislatures have operated with minimum numbers of Members. Political parties selected those who were allowed to attend. Our consensus government does not work that way. Although we may not always agree, consensus requires that each Member be heard.

In making it possible for us all to attend, I want to acknowledge and thank Kim Wickens, the deputy clerk, Members' and precinct services, and her team. This includes Brian Thagard, the Sergeant-at-Arms; Derek Edjericon, deputy Sergeant-at-Arms; Michael Butt, security supervisor; and all the security team for their hard work, professionalism, and problem-solving in coming up with a plan for us all to attend this sitting safely.

Members, the months of isolation, stress, and trying to keep our residents informed during this pandemic took a toll on all of us. When we returned, this affected us all. I am proud of how Members overcame challenges, moved forward, and got the important work of government done. I encourage all of you to reflect on what you have accomplished in the last three weeks:

  • a full budget for the government was reviewed and passed;
  • two supplementary appropriations were reviewed and passed;
  • Bill 10 was passed to allow for adjustment of legislative timelines during the pandemic;
  • standing committees delivered three committee reports, with 18 motions adopted; and
  • the House adopted a motion calling for a Northwest Territories seniors' and elders' strategy.

Members, we would not have completed this work without the dedicated staff of the departments and Legislative Assembly who have worked hard, both here in the building and at home, to support our efforts.

Today, the Northwest Territories will enter phase 2 of Emerging Wisely. As we look forward to the summer ahead, I encourage all Members and residents to continue to practice safe hygiene practices and physical distancing. It is a time for us all to spend time with our friendship and family circles.

Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Prayer May 26th, 2020

Members, welcome back to the Legislative Assembly. Our Chamber looks very different. There are more seats and tables, to allow Members to physically distance themselves. I thank Members for their cooperation. These steps and others, such as hand washing, hand sanitizing, and changing how we move around in the building, have been taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Before we begin today, I would like to extend the condolences of this House and my personal condolences to all who have lost a loved one recently. Such a loss is never easy. During these uncertain times, it has become particularly difficult as families and friends have been unable to come together to support one another and grieve their shared loss. Although you have not been able to get together to celebrate the lives of your loved ones, I know that you have continued to grieve their passing and honour their memories individually.

These are challenging times. However, there is essential work to do. Members must review and adopt the government's 2020-2021 budget. Also, this sitting allows Members to ask questions and review the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Assembly is closed to the public, the media can still attend. We continue to broadcast and stream live our proceedings. It is important residents can see and understand the work being done. This sitting will have interpretation into Chipewyan, French, and Tlicho. These proceedings will also be interpreted into all official languages and posted online. I want to thank our interpreters for their hard work.

To our residents, thank you. The restrictions required to stop the spread of COVID-19 have been hard. Now that some restrictions have been lifted, we must remain committed as we enjoy spring and summer.

Members, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories has recommended to the Assembly the passage of Supplementary Appropriations Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2020-2021. Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.

Speaker's Ruling March 11th, 2020

Yesterday, the Member for Monfwi requested an adjournment of the House due to the lack of an interpreter in his first language, Tlicho. The Member suggested the lack of interpretation impeded or prevented him from performing his parliamentary functions as a Member of this Assembly.

As Speaker, I must determine three matters:

  • first, whether a matter of privilege has been raised at the earliest opportunity;
  • second, whether there has been a prima facie breach of privilege; in other words, that at first glance, the matter appears to be a breach of privilege and warrants immediate consideration by the House; and
  • third, the extent to which the matter has infringed upon any Member's ability to perform their duties or appears to be a contempt against the dignity of the House.

Yesterday, when I delivered a ruling on a point of order raised by the Government House Leader against the Member for Monfwi, I asked the Member to withdraw his remarks and apologize to the House. When the Member for Monfwi rose to speak, he noted that Tlicho interpretation was unavailable and raised this point of privilege.

Clearly, this point was raised at the earliest opportunity.

Next, I must consider whether a prima facie breach of privilege has occurred.

Colleagues, the use and preservation of all of our official languages are issues of great importance to the people of the Northwest Territories, to this Legislative Assembly, and to me as Speaker.

In fact, this issue is of such great importance, it is written in the preamble of our Official Languages Act, which states: "...preserving the use of official languages, and enhancing those languages, is a shared responsibility of language communities, the Legislative Assembly, and the Government of the Northwest Territories."

This responsibility is one I take seriously. We have increased our capacity to provide interpretation in all of our official languages. Our languages are an important part of our shared culture and heritage, and their use and preservation is vital to reconciliation.

Compared with our recent past, this Assembly has greatly increased our investment in, and commitment to our official languages. We have more interpreters, representing more of our official languages, working longer hours. We are making efforts to share our interpreted proceedings via our broadcasting and social media networks. Although it can be quite challenging to find qualified interpreters in some of our official languages, yesterday we were able to provide interpretation in seven official languages.

I also note that a Tlicho interpreter was scheduled to provide service yesterday. However, due to an illness, they were unable to attend. We were provided notice of this illness less than an hour before the start of our proceedings. It was unfortunate, but I feel it is important to note that the lack of Tlicho interpretation yesterday was an exceptional circumstance.

I would also like to comment on the timing of my rulings. Due to the absence of the Member for Monfwi late last week and the absence of the Premier for the rest of this week, I made the decision to deliver my rulings yesterday.

Colleagues, the improvements related to interpretation in our official languages made in this Assembly are a continuation of the work done in the previous Assembly. The work was begun under the direction and guidance of the Member for Monfwi when he served as Speaker. I understand that this is an issue of great importance, and I thank him for being a champion for our languages.

A similar situation occurred during our 11th Legislative Assembly. On October 26, 1989, day 7 of the 5th session of the 11th Legislative Assembly, the Member Rae Lac La Marte 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 an official language in the debates and other proceedings of the Legislative Assembly. Colleagues, I find that there has been a prima facie breach of privilege in this case. In other words, at first glance, the matter appears to be related to privilege. Given this ruling, I will now entertain any motions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Speaker's Ruling March 10th, 2020

Good afternoon, Members. On February 27, 2020, the Member for Monfwi raised a point of privilege. The point of privilege raised was that the Premier acted beyond her authority when terminating the appointment of the president of Aurora College. It was suggested that the Premier had breached the collective privileges of this House and acted against the dignity and authority of this Assembly as per Rule 20. The Member also stated that the Premier obstructed the ability of this Legislature in carrying out its lawmaking functions.

As Speaker, I must determine two matters:

  • first, whether a matter of privilege has been raised at the earliest opportunity and whether there has been a prima facie breach of privilege, in other words that, at first glance, the matter appears to be a breach of privilege and warrants immediate consideration by the House; and
  • second, the extent to which the matter has infringed upon any Member's ability to perform their duties or appears to be a contempt against the dignity of the House.

First, I will consider whether the point of privilege was raised at the earliest opportunity.

The Member received a legal opinion on or about February 12, 2020. The Member was absent from the House on February 13. The House was adjourned until February 25. The Member questioned the Premier on February 26, 2020, and tabled the legal opinion that day. The Member raised the point of privilege on February 27, 2020, after the Member reviewed the Premier's responses to the Member's oral questions in Hansard from February 26, 2020. As a result, I am comfortable that the Member raised it at the earliest opportunity.

Second, I will determine whether a prima facie breach of privilege has occurred.

As Speaker, it is not my place to determine whether a law has been broken. The Minister of Justice correctly pointed this out when she spoke to the point of order raised that same day. Both the Member and the Premier rely on differing legal opinions. Unless a ruling has been made in a court of law, neither opinion can be considered "right," "wrong," or "misleading."

It is almost impossible to conclude that a Member has deliberately misled the House unless a Member provides completely different responses to the exact same question. That is not what happened in this case.

The Premier has remained consistent in her responses to oral questions on this issue. On February 10, 2020, the Member for Kam Lake questioned the Premier about her ability to terminate the president. The Premier said, quote, "While the associate deputy minister may be statutory appointed to the position of president under the Aurora College Act, the employment relationship of deputy ministers and associate deputy ministers is clearly with me as Premier, and it remains in my sole purview to terminate the employment of an associate deputy minister across departments," end of quote.

Shortly after, the Member for Monfwi asked a similar question of the Premier. The Premier responded, quote, "Again, I think it might be a communications issue. At no time have I broken the law. In fact, we have had more legal opinions on this than not. The Premier is responsible for hiring and terminating associate deputy ministers and deputy ministers. Appointments to positions are not contingent on the Minister having to hire or terminate. There are many statutory positions that the Minister is not responsible for hiring. In fact, very few positions can a Minister hire for. We are blending in two things that should not be blended," end of quote.

There were several other occasions where Members asked oral questions to the Premier, on the authority of the Premier to dismiss the president of Aurora College. The Premier's responses were consistent.

In conclusion, there is a clear difference of legal opinions between the Member for Monfwi and the Premier on their interpretation of the Aurora College Act. Although frustrations mounted on this particular subject, this difference of opinion does not prevent Members from fulfilling their parliamentary functions. Nor does such a disagreement breach the collective privileges of the House. Therefore, I find it is not a prima facie breach of privilege, and the point of privilege is dismissed.

Members, a point of privilege is a serious matter. Alleging that a Member of this House misled the Chamber or is breaking the law is a serious escalation that should be reserved for the most serious circumstances. I encourage Members to exercise caution when doing so.

I will now deal with the point of order raised by the Government House Leader on the same day regarding comments made by the Member for Monfwi.

The Government House Leader suggested that comments by the Member for Monfwi seriously violated the rules of order and decorum in this House. It was suggested by the Member that the Premier had "misled the House," "overstepped her authority," "broke the law," "played free and easy" with the laws passed by this House. The Government House Leader feels that these comments went beyond the standards of acceptable debate in this House.

The Government House Leader believes the Member violated Rule 24(h), (i), (j), and (k). He also believes the Member for Monfwi's comments were "inappropriate and unparliamentary."

Members, it is my duty to maintain order and decorum and to decide questions of order. Therefore, when a point of order is raised I must:

  1. State the rule in question.
  2. Decide whether the point of order was raised at the earliest opportunity, and whether the conduct violates the rule in question. This is usually decided on a case-by-case basis.

The Second Edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 2009, page 619, states, quote, "In dealing with unparliamentary language, the Speaker takes into account the tone, manner, and intention of the Member speaking; the person to whom the words at issue were directed; the degree of provocation; and most importantly, whether or not the remarks created disorder in the Chamber."

I have reviewed the comments made by the Member for Monfwi in the House and Rule 24, which reads, "In debate, a Member will be called to order by the Speaker if the Member:

  1. makes allegations against another Member, a House officer, a witness, or a Member of the public;
  2. imputes false or hidden motives to another Member;
  3. charges another Member with uttering a deliberate falsehood;
  4. uses abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder."

Members, the Government House Leader raised the point of order the next day. He chose to wait to review Hansard before calling the point of order. I find this to be reasonable and not an unnecessary delay.

On the point of order, I have reviewed the comments made by the Member for Monfwi with respect to the tone, manner, intention in which he made them. I find they did cross the line and are contrary to Rule 24(h), (i), (j), and (k).

Members, please remember that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly are sanctioned by us. As Speaker, it is my responsibility to make sure that they are followed in this House. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously and so should you.

Respect has to be exercised by both sides of the House. Unkind or inflammatory comments made by a Member when addressing another Member are not necessary, and do not encourage a respectful, balanced discussion.

As Members, you have to work with one another in the best interest of all the people of the Northwest Territories.

We are a consensus system of government and have our own standards, standards we are proud of and that we'd like to uphold. It's been said before, but I will say it again, while other legislatures may allow this style of debate, we find it unacceptable. I think most of the people we represent would agree.

I find there is a point of order. I will now ask the Member for Monfwi to withdraw his remarks and apologize to the House. Thank you. Member for Monfwi.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters March 4th, 2020

Thank you. Including the Ombud, there are three positions. We have the Ombud plus two staff. Thank you.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters March 4th, 2020

Thank you. The position isn't vacant at the moment. We still have a languages commissioner. The increases were due to the plans that were in place because we did put it out to competition, and someone was selected, and we budgeted to have the office moved to Deline. Since everything was planned here and also moving that position to a full-time, because the person declined on the position, the board decided to re-advertise. Because we made those changes to make it a full-time position and have the option to relocate to a different community throughout the Northwest Territories, the board felt it was only fair to put it out, the competition, once again. Thank you.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters March 4th, 2020

Thank you. It's adding one position to a full-time position, and also an investigator which the Information and Privacy Commissioner felt that they needed in order, instead of things going to litigation, to try to resolve them, I do believe. Thank you.