September 1, 2009

IQALUIT, Nunavut and YELLOWKNIFE, Northwest Territories (September 1, 2009) – Speakers James Arreak and Paul Delorey today announced that the Nunavut and Northwest Territories legislatures have made a joint submission to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

On July 6, 2009, the CRTC issued a Notice of Hearing to “consider a group-based approach to the licensing of conventional television and discretionary services and certain policy issues relating to conventional television. The CRTC has indicated that it “expects stakeholders to participate in this process to assist in addressing the policy issues at hand and, specifically, how broadcasters can adopt concrete and measurable commitments to the production, programming and airing of local content.”

The submission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut legislatures recommends that the definition of what constitutes local programming should be clarified to include legislative proceedings in the two territories as a “must-carry” service on satellite and cable.

A copy of the joint submission is available on the CRTC’s website at the following location: http://support.crtc.gc.ca/applicant/applicant.aspx?pn_ph_no=2009-411&lang=E.  

Speaker Delorey said, “Our legislatures strongly support a decision to grant “must carry” status to their broadcast feeds. This would help to ensure that Northerners from Tuktoyaktuk to Qikiqtarjuaq feel fully engaged with, and connected to, their institutions of governance.”

Speaker Arreak said, “The provision and dissemination of locally-produced programming by democratically-elected Northern legislatures can serve as an important tool with which to foster the goal of asserting Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.”

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For further information:

John Quirke, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
(867) 975-5000

Tim Mercer, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
(867) 669-2299

July 30, 2009

MLA Yellowknife Centre Applauds “Made in the NWT” Program

(YELLOWKNIFE) July 30, 2009 – MLA Robert Hawkins would like to applaud the work done by the NWT Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment for developing and launching a “Made in the NWT” program.

“This was a very important issue I brought forward to the Minister of ITI which would work to assist in the recognition of our Northern Manufacturers industry. A program like this helps build consumer pride and loyalty in many of the products that can be made here at home in the north. But like anything, recognition of where some of the products are brought to life is key to making this initiative work,” says Mr. Hawkins.

Mr. Hawkins has been pushing for this kind of “Made in the NWT” program in the House for years now, and is extremely happy to see the program implemented. The program is designed to help promote Northwest Territories-based manufacturers and help them promote their products to potential customers. The NWT Chamber of Commerce has a supply of “Made in the NWT” stickers which are available to manufacturers free of charge which they can use to label their goods produced in the NWT.

For more information, please contact:

Robert Hawkins, MLA Yellowknife Centre
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2264
F: 867-873-0276
E: Robert_hawkins@gov.nt.ca 

June 19, 2009

On the Passing of Mr. Gordon Wray

(Yellowknife) June 19, 2009 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Paul Delorey, today expressed condolences to the family of the Mr. Gordon Wray, former member of the Legislative Assembly, and Member of the Executive Council, who passed away on Wednesday.

Speaker Delorey said, “On behalf of Members of this Assembly, it is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Mr. Wray’s family and loved ones. Our former colleague served as a Member of this House for eight years, during which time he proved himself an honourable Member time and again.”

Mr. Wray was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1983 in a by-election for the Keewatin North constituency. He was re-elected in the newly re-named riding of Kivallivik in the 1983 and 1987 general territorial elections.

During the 10th Legislative Assembly in 1984, Mr. Wray was appointed Minister of Public Works, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and Minister responsible for the Highway Transport Board. The next year, Mr. Wray was also named Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. He remained responsible for these departments until the election of the 11th Legislature in 1987. Mr. Wray was re-elected and was designated as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Minister of Personnel, Minister of Public Works and Minister of Highways. In addition to these positions, Mr. Wray also became a Member of the Legislative Assembly Management and Services Board. In 1988, Mr. Wray was named Minister of Economic Development and Tourism.

Mr. Wray was born in Dundee, Scotland and moved to Canada in 1970, where he worked as an employee for the Hudson’s Bay Company. He was stationed at posts throughout the north including the communities of Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Repulse Bay and Baker Lake. Before joining the territorial government Mr. Wray was the hamlet secretary and manager in Rankin Inlet, and managed several of his own businesses throughout the north. An active northern resident, Mr. Wray was a member of various boards and community organizations, including the NWT Water Board. Mr. Wray is survived by his wife Rita and children Cheryl, Scott, Fiona, Kristy and Stuart.

The flags at the Legislative Assembly building in Yellowknife will be lowered to half-mast on the day of his funeral to recognize the passing of this active community member and Northern leader.

For more information contact:

Paul Delorey, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
E: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca  

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299
E: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca  

June 11, 2009

MLA Nahendeh Pleased with Nahanni Park Expansion Bill

(YELLOWKNIFE) June 11, 2009 – Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh, pleased with the bill tabled by Minister Jim Prentice in Parliament on Tuesday, June 9. The bill states a request for the expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve.

“I believe this is a good thing for the people in the Nahendeh region and my constituents generally support this bill. The increase of staff to manage the park will benefit our region as well. This is one more piece of the puzzle towards completing the Deh Cho process,” says Mr. Menicoche.

If the bill is passed and becomes legislation, Nahanni’s new boundaries will cover over 30,000 km2 of pristine land and will be the third largest park in Canada. Mr. Menicoche says, “This is a huge step for our future generations, they will be able to have their grandchildren’s, grandchildren visit this beautiful part of their country and it will remain forever untouched. I feel very proud to have this world renowned park in my riding.”

For more information, contact:

Kevin Menicoche
MLA Nahendeh
P: 867-669-2294
F: 867-873-0276
E: Kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca

June 3, 2009

Legislative Assembly Board of Management Appoints Sole Adjudicator

(YELLOWKNIFE) June 3, 2009 - The Legislative Assembly Board of Management has recommended the appointment of Mr. Ted Hughes, Q.C. as Sole Adjudicator for an inquiry into a complaint filed by six Members of the NWT Legislative Assembly regarding an alleged breach of section 75 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act by the Hon. Floyd Roland, MLA Inuvik Boot Lake.

On May 25, 2009, following an investigation of the complaint, the NWT Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Mr. Gerald Gerrand, Q.C., directed that the matter proceed to an inquiry before a Sole Adjudicator. The Board of Management’s appointment of Mr. Hughes as Sole Adjudicator is made pursuant to section 103 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. Mr. Hughes was appointed from a list of four potential adjudicators previously approved by the Legislative Assembly. An eligible Sole Adjudicator must be a judge or retired judge or a person who currently or previously served in a position equivalent to that of Conflict of Interest Commissioner in a province or territory. Mr. Hughes is a former Conflict of Interest Commissioner for the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and the Province of British Columbia. He has served as a judge of the Saskatchewan District and Surrogate Courts and the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench as well as Deputy Attorney General for British Columbia. Mr. Hughes is well known for his role as Chair of the highly publicized inquiry into the conduct of the RCMP during the APEC leaders’ summit in 1997 and for his role as Chief Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Process.

After conducting an inquiry, a Sole Adjudicator is required to submit a report, with reasons, to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The report must either dismiss the complaint or find that the Member complained of is guilty of a contravention of the conflict of interest provisions of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. In the latter case, the Sole Adjudicator must recommend that one or more punishments specified in the Act be imposed by the Legislative Assembly. On receipt of the Sole Adjudicator’s report, the Legislative Assembly must consider it and either impose the recommended punishment or reject it.

In conducting the inquiry, the Sole Adjudicator has the powers of a Board under the Public Inquiries Act. The Sole Adjudicator has the authority to determine whether any hearing in an inquiry shall be conducted in public or in private.

The appointment of the Sole Adjudicator must be formally ratified by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.
For more information, please contact:

Paul Delorey, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234
F: 867-873-0273

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2288
F: 867-873-0273

June 1, 2009

Legislative Assembly Drops the Pop

(YELLOWKNIFE) June 1, 2009 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Honourable Paul Delorey, today announced that the Legislative Assembly is dropping the pop.

“Effective today, the Legislative Assembly is going to drop the pop and ditch disposable water bottles. I have asked the Assembly’s catering contractor to discontinue the sale and distribution of soft drinks and bottled water, that includes catering during private meetings and public functions,” says Mr. Delorey.

Various schools throughout the Northwest Territories have been working on dropping the pop in classrooms to help students lead a healthier lifestyle. “The Legislative Assembly is the most visible public institution in the Northwest Territories. As law makers, role models and politicians, we must each practice the habits we want people to emulate,” this is a statement made by Mr. Delorey when he presented the 2009-2010 Main Estimates to the Legislative Assembly in March 2009.

For more information, please contact:

Paul Delorey, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234
F: 867-873-0273
E: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

May 28, 2009

Major Changes Recommended to Official Languages Act

(YELLOWKNIFE) May 28, 2009 – The Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Government Operations, chaired by MLA Kevin Menicoche, today presented its Final Report on the 2008-2009 Review of the Official Languages Act to the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Menicoche says, “Basically, the Committee found that the existing Official Languages Act does not work. It does not serve the speakers of the languages it is intended to protect. The Aboriginal languages of the NWT are becoming endangered to various degrees. Even the stronger languages are losing speakers, particularly among younger generations. If there is a desire to save the NWT language for future generations there is an urgent need to protect them through comprehensive revitalization efforts.”

“Based on what the Committee members heard from the people and what we learned from extensive research during the one-year review process we made major recommendations.
First of all, the Committee recommended that the existing Act be repealed to get away from the federal model of legislation that does not match the demographic, socio-geographic, and political realities of the NWT,” says Mr. Menicoche.

Mr. Menicoche adds, “Secondly, the Committee proposed a two prong approach to our Official Languages. It recommends the creation of a new Official Languages Services Act setting out a service delivery model for government services in all Official Languages. The Committee also recommended that this new Act be complemented by an Aboriginal Languages Protection Regime to address the dire need for Aboriginal language revitalization and secure the survival of the Aboriginal languages.”

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Menicoche, Chair
Standing Committee on Government Operations
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2294
Toll-free: 1-800-661-0784
Email: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca 

Doug Schauerte, Deputy Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2277
Toll-free: 1-800-661-0784
Email: doug_schauerte@gov.nt.ca  

April 23, 2009

MLAs Agree to Common Principles of Consensus Government

(Yellowknife, NT) April 23, 2009 – Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly have concluded a three-day Caucus retreat by agreeing to a set of ten principles that define what it means to govern in a consensus-based system. The principles define the ways that consensus government differs from party politics and set a standard of conduct for individual MLAs and the various ways they interact with one another inside and out of the Legislative Assembly.

“Consensus government means many different things to different people,” said Caucus Chair and Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro. “After three days of intensive discussion, all Members in attendance have come together to articulate a common vision of what it means to govern in this unique system. I am very encouraged by the tone coming out of these meetings and by the sincere commitment of all Members to let these principles guide us in the important work ahead of us.”

“I have worked in consensus government for almost 14 years and this is the first time I have seen Members clearly define what it means and how it’s different from party politics,” said NWT Premier and Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland. “I think these principles will not only guide the way we work together for the remainder of this legislature, but also for many legislatures to come.”

In addition to agreement on the ten principles of consensus government, Members reviewed progress on the Vision, Goals and Objectives of the 16th Legislative Assembly, discussed options for targeted use of federal economic stimulus funding, and examined the impact that the global economic downturn is having on the NWT economy and future government activities. Members have agreed to meet again in the full Caucus on May 30, 2009 to further examine the economic situation and other social and economic indicators as a preliminary step in setting broad direction for the 2010-2011 budget.

“The first 18 months of this Assembly have been productive but challenging,” said MLA Bisaro. “Every Member is coming away with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to focus all of our energies on the important issues facing the NWT in these unprecedented times. The ten principles will be the yardstick we use to hold one another to the commitments we have made to today.”

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Bisaro Tim Mercer
Caucus Chair Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2274 (867) 669-2299
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784 Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784

Consensus Government in the NWT Guiding Principles

1. Consensus government is not defined by the absence of party politics. It is defined by the ability and willingness of all Members of the Legislative Assembly to work together, within their respective roles, for the collective good of the people of the Northwest Territories.

2. Consensus government is a unique combination of the British traditions of ministerial responsibility, cabinet solidarity and legislative accountability and the aboriginal traditions of open dialogue, inclusive decision-making, accommodation, respect and trust.

3. Open and respectful communication between all Members is the most essential feature of consensus government. While it is impossible to reach unanimous agreement on all issues, the opportunity for all Members to have meaningful input into important decisions is fundamental.

4. Effective communication is a “double-edged sword.” For consensus government to work, all Members must agree to respect the confidentiality of information before it is properly made public. Similarly, Members should acknowledge the fact that information was shared in confidence once it has been released.

5. Except under extraordinary circumstances, Members of the Legislative Assembly should be made aware of and have opportunity to discuss significant announcements, changes, consultations or initiatives before they are released to the public or introduced in the Legislative Assembly. Use of the element of surprise is inconsistent with consensus government.

6. The role of the Caucus is fundamental to the effectiveness of consensus government. Caucus provides a venue for all Members to set broad strategic direction for a Legislative Assembly and discuss matters of widespread importance to the Northwest Territories as they arise.

7. The Premier and Cabinet are appointed by the Members of the Legislative Assembly to provide overall leadership and direction in accordance with the broad strategic direction set by the Caucus. Cabinet must have the ability to implement this strategic direction effectively and efficiently but in a way that reflects the concerns of Regular Members and maintains their support.

8. Unlike a party-based parliamentary system, the Regular Members are not a “Cabinet in Waiting.” Their ultimate goal is to support Cabinet in implementing the broad strategic direction set by the Caucus.

9. As with all parliamentary systems of government, a healthy level of tension must exist between Cabinet and Regular Members. While the ultimate goal of the Regular Members is not to defeat or discredit Cabinet, it is their responsibility to review and monitor the leadership and direction of Cabinet and hold it to account.

10. The attendance and participation of all Members of the Legislative Assembly within their respective roles is essential to the effectiveness of consensus government. Formal sessions of the Legislative Assembly and meetings of Caucus, Cabinet and standing and special committees must be a priority for every Member.

March 12, 2009

Appointment of New Languages Commissioner

(YELLOWKNIFE) March 12, 2009 – The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories today appointed Ms. Sarah Jerome of Fort McPherson as the new Languages Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Her appointment will take effect on Monday, May 11, 2009.

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Jerome to this very important and vital role. Ms. Jerome is of Gwich’in ancestry and she brings much knowledge and experience to this position and I look forward to working with her in the future,” said Mr. Delorey. “I would also like to extend my gratitude and thanks to Ms. Shannon Gullberg for all of the excellent work that she has done during her tenure as the Languages Commissioner,” added Mr. Delorey.

The Languages Commissioner is a position appointed by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories upon the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly and the appointment is for a term of four years. The Languages Commissioner’s office is currently located in Yellowknife but will be moving to Inuvik on the effective date of Ms. Jerome’s appointment.

The Languages Commissioner is appointed pursuant to the Official Languages Act of the Northwest Territories. It is the duty of the Languages Commissioner to take all actions and measures within the authority of the Official Languages Act with a view to ensuring recognition of the rights, statutes and privileges of each of the Official Languages and to comply with the spirit of the Official Languages Act in the administration of the affairs of government institutions.

A copy of Ms. Jerome’s biography is attached.

For more information, contact:

Paul Delorey, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234
F: 867-873-0273
E: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca 

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299
F: 867-920-4735

Sarah Jerome, Languages Commissioner
P: 1-800-661-0889
F: 867-873-0357

Sarah Jerome (Tetlichi)

Sarah Jerome (Tetlichi) is a Gwich’in beneficiary currently living in Fort McPherson. Ms. Jerome was born and raised on the land, by her parents and grandparents, at Road River in the Yukon Territory. She attended residential school in both Aklavik and Inuvik and graduated from Sir Alexander Mackenzie High School in Inuvik in 1968. In 1969, Ms. Jerome graduated from Aurora College in Inuvik from the Teacher Education program, from there she went on to receive her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1991.

Ms. Jerome has held various important educational positions in the Beaufort Delta, ranging from teaching to being the Assistant Superintendant of the Beaufort Delta Education Council. Ms. Jerome is fluent in both Gwich’in and English, with Gwich’in being her first language. She is a strong advocate for the Official Languages of the Northwest Territories and has, in the past, taught the Gwich’in language to individuals eager to learn.

Ms. Jerome is the first Official Languages Commissioner of Gwich’in ancestry.

February 25, 2009

NWT Assembly Unanimous in Support for Mackenzie Valley Highway

YELLOWKNIFE (February 25, 2009) - In a unanimous vote, Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly today called on the Government of Canada to advance funding and planning for a Mackenzie Valley Highway and to begin negotiations immediately on a partnership that will allow this major infrastructure project to move ahead.

While the federal Government is responsible for the cost of constructing and maintaining new highways in the NWT, the GNWT has proposed a 10-year infrastructure partnership with Canada to cost share the development of new economic infrastructure including the proposed highway.

“A Mackenzie Valley Highway will work to lower the cost of living in northern communities and contribute to their sustainability,” said Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya in moving the motion. Mr. Yakeleya added, “We also acknowledge that this project is not without environmental and social challenges, so we will be working to ensure that these are fully addressed.”

In a clear demonstration of the Assembly’s unity on this critical issue, Mr. Yakeleya’s motion was seconded by the Territory’s Minister of Transportation, Hon. Michael McLeod. “This project will connect Mackenzie Valley and Beaufort Delta communities and provide improved access to services for these remote areas,” he said.

The motion came following a day of debate dedicated to highlighting the importance of the Mackenzie Valley Highway to the economic, social and political development of the NWT. All Members spoke to the urgency and need to finally connect Canada from coast to coast to coast.

“This Road to Resources will provide opportunities to diversify the NWT economy,” NWT Premier Floyd Roland said. “Expanded renewable and non-renewable resource development and tourism opportunities will result in employment and business opportunities for NWT residents and all Canadians.”

Without an all-weather highway, communities and major developments in Canada's Northwest Territories are reliant on the availability of winter ice roads for their annual supply of goods and fuel.

Chair of the Assembly’s Priorities and Planning Committee, Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen says, “The construction of an all-weather Mackenzie Highway will address increasing uncertainty in the reliability and operation of these seasonal highways in the wake of climate change while further enhancing the assertion of Canada’s Sovereignty over the Arctic.”

Today’s strong recommendation from the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories reflects a similar motion passed at the Dene Leadership Meeting in Yellowknife last week.

A copy of the GNWT’s motion will be sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird and Western Arctic Member of Parliament Dennis Bevington for their consideration.

For more information contact:

Jane Groenewegen, MLA Hay River South
Chairperson, Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Phone: 867-669-2292
Fax: 867-873-0276
Email: jane_groenewegen@gov.nt.ca  

Hon. Michael McLeod, MLA Deh Cho
Minister of Transportation
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Phone: 867-669-2377
Fax: 867-873-0388
Email: michael_mcleod@gov.nt.ca