News Releases - 2004

 
November 4, 2004 - Conflict Of Interest Commissioner Releases Decision On Allen Residency Complaint

YELLOWKNIFE (November 3) - The NWT Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Mr. Ted Hughes, today released his decision to dismiss the complaint filed by the Legislative Assembly's Board of Management regarding the ordinary residence of former Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA, Roger Allen.

After a thorough review of the complaint brought forward in late August, and taking into consideration Mr. Allen's resignation from the Legislative Assembly as of October 12, 2004, Mr. Hughes dismissed the Board of Management's complaint.

In accordance with the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner had two options regarding the complaint. He could either dismiss the complaint, or he could direct that an inquiry be held before a Sole Adjudicator. As the sanctions available to a Sole Adjudicator became limited as a result of Mr. Allen's resignation, Mr. Hughes felt that the expense of a public inquiry was no longer warranted. This brings the formal complaint to conclusion.

In August of this year, the Board of Management brought forward a complaint to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner concerning the residency of Mr. Allen, after making every effort to resolve the matter within its own capacity.

On August 11, 2004, the Board of Management directed that a review of the residency requirements of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act and the Elections Act be reviewed. This review, and any resulting statutory amendments, will continue despite the dismissal of the formal complaint, and will be completed within the life of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

In June 2004, the Board of Management directed that Mr. Allen repay all allowances paid to him based on his claim of residence in Inuvik. The Board will continue to seek reimbursement of these amounts despite the dismissal of the complaint.

For further information, please contact:

Honourable Paul Delorey
Chair, Board of Management
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2234
Fax: (867) 873-0273
Email: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Tim Mercer
Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2299
Fax: (867) 873-0432
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Ted Hughes Q.C.
NWT Conflict of Interest Commissioner
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (250) 361-3151
Fax: (250) 384-1291
Email: thqc@shaw.ca

 
October 22, 2004 - NWT Legislative Assembly Sends Message On Resource Revenue Sharing

Yellowknife (October 22) - Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly passed a motion yesterday (see attachment) urging the federal government to negotiate a fair resource revenue sharing agreement that provides northern governments with an equitable share of royalties from projects in the Northwest Territories.

The 15th Legislative Assembly Vision and Goals document states that the people of the Northwest Territories should be the primary beneficiaries of the development of resources in the NWT. For northerners to reap these benefits, Members stress that a fair resource revenue sharing agreement with the federal government is essential.

"Our northern governments and the residents of the Northwest Territories are losing out on substantial royalties from current projects in the NWT," said Kevin Menicoche, MLA for Nahendeh and Chair of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight. "We need to ensure that northerners benefit from the royalties from future projects, such as the Mackenzie Valley Gas Project, through a fair resource revenue sharing agreement with Ottawa."

For more information, contact:

Kevin Menicoche
Chair
Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight
Tel: (867) 669-2294 or Toll Free 1-800-661-0879
Fax: (867) 873-0276
E-mail: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca

 
October 22, 2004 - Legislative Assembly Opens New Offices for Statutory Officers

YELLOWKNIFE (October 22) - The Honourable Paul Delorey, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, today officially opened the new office space for the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories' Statutory Officers.

The new office space, located on the first floor of the Laing Building in downtown Yellowknife, houses offices for the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, Languages Commissioner, Equal Pay Commissioner and Conflict of Interest Commissioner.

"Having all of these offices under the same roof will allow one-stop access for the public to the statutory officers of the Legislative Assembly," said Mr. Delorey. "We are pleased to have found a space to accommodate our needs."

The Legislative Assembly's Board of Management was looking for new office space for the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission, and decided that it would be fiscally responsible and more user-friendly to find space in a government owned building where all statutory officers could be housed in a single, convenient location.

The public can contact these offices at the following numbers:

NWT Human Rights Commission - (867) 669-5575 or toll free at 1-888-669-5575
NWT Languages Commissioner - (867) 873-6370 or toll free at 1-800-661-0889
NWT Equal Pay Commissioner - (867) 669-5583
NWT Conflict of Interest Commissioner - (867) 920-3126 or toll free at 1-800-340-2689

For further information, contact:

Paul Delorey
Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2234 or toll free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 873-0273
E-mail: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

Tim Mercer
Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2299
Fax: (867) 873-0432
E-mail: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

 
October 13, 2004 - Roger Allen resigns as MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes

YELLOWKNIFE (October 12) - Mr. Roger Allen today resigned from his position as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Allen cited family and personal issues as the reason for stepping down.

Mr. Allen submitted a written statement to the Honourable Paul Delorey, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, declaring his decision to resign earlier today. Upon receipt of this written statement, the Member's seat becomes vacant. The Speaker will transmit the statement to the Commissioner, informing her of the vacancy. Once the Commissioner has been informed of the vacancy, she will give instructions to the Chief Electoral Officer.

In her instructions to the Chief Electoral Officer, the Commissioner will fix the date for the issue of the writ of election and the date of the by-election, which must be at least 28 days after the issue of the writ.

For further information, contact:

Paul Delorey
Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2234 or toll free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 873-0273
Email: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

Tim Mercer
Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2299
Fax: (867) 873-0432
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

David Hamilton
Chief Electoral Officer
Elections NWT
Phone: (867) 920-3071
Fax: (867) 873-0366
Email: david_Hamilton@gov.nt.ca

 
August 27, 2004 - Board of Management Files Complaint with Conflict of Interest Commissioner

YELLOWKNIFE (August 27) – The Board of Management of the Legislative Assembly today filed a complaint with Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Mr. Ted Hughes, regarding the ordinary residence of Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA, Roger Allen.

Mr. Allen had previously been invited to attend before a Board of Management meeting on August 23rd to provide additional information regarding his place of residence. At the allotted time, legal counsel for Mr. Allen appeared before the Board and requested a rescheduling of the meeting.

“The Board has made every effort to resolve this matter within its own capacity,” said Board of Management Chair, Paul Delorey. “As the Board can go no further in investigating this situation, it is an appropriate time for an independent office, that of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, to review these circumstances.”

The Board’s complaint, which references section 75 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, refers the following matters to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner for investigation:

1. Whether Mr. Allen swore a false statutory declaration by claiming 107B East Campbell Lake as his place of ordinary residence when not attending to official business of the Legislative Assembly;
2. If Mr. Allen swore a false statutory declaration of residence, did he do so for the purpose of receiving allowances and indemnities which would not otherwise have been available to him; and
3. Has Mr. Allen changed his place of residence to a place outside of the Northwest Territories and, if so, has this affected his eligibility to sit as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and receive the indemnities and allowances entitled to a sitting MLA?

In accordance with the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner will now conduct an investigation into the complaint and may either dismiss the complaint or direct that an inquiry be held before a Sole Adjudicator. If appointed, a Sole Adjudicator may, after conducting an inquiry, dismiss the complaint or recommend a wide range of sanctions to the Legislative Assembly, which must either accept or reject the recommendations.

For further information, contact:

Paul Delorey
Chair, Board of Management
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2234 or toll free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 873-0273
Email: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

Tim Mercer

Secretary to the Board of Management
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2299
Fax: (867) 873-0432
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca
 

 
August 11, 2004 - MLA Roger Allen Requested To Appear Before Legislative Assembly Board of Management to Explain Place of Residence

The Chair of the Legislative Assembly Board of Management, Speaker Paul Delorey, today announced that Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen will be provided an opportunity to appear before an in camera meeting of the Board on August 23rd, 2004 to provide information as to his permanent place of residence. The Board has also directed Legislative Assembly staff to initiate amendments to territorial legislation clarifying the requirement for Members of the Legislative Assembly to permanently reside in the Northwest Territories.

“The Board would like to provide Mr. Allen with an opportunity to explain his current residency situation,” said Board Chair Paul Delorey. “There has been quite a bit of information in the media on this matter and the Board feels Mr. Allen deserves the opportunity to explain the issue directly to Board Members. Once the Board has heard from Mr. Allen, it will determine what additional courses of action, if any, may be appropriate.”

On April 1, 2004 the Board of Management gave Mr. Allen three months, or until the end of June, to provide it with documentation to support his claim of permanent residency at 107B East Campbell Lake, Inuvik. On June 30, 2004 the Board reviewed additional information provided to it by Mr. Allen. At this time the Board concluded that Mr. Allen had still not provided adequate documentation to support his claim of residency at East Campbell Lake, Inuvik. As such, Mr. Allen’s entitlement to the Capital Accommodation Allowance was suspended and he was ordered to repay any monies paid to him retroactive to April 1, 2004. The Board advised Mr. Allen that it remained open to revisit its decision should he have any additional information to put before it at some future point.

Subsequent to the Board’s decision on June 30, 2004, information has been provided in the media that further questions Mr. Allen’s residency in both Inuvik and the Northwest Territories contrary to his statutory declaration. Prior to determining any further course of action on this matter, the Board has invited Mr. Allen to provide information directly to it regarding the status of his residency. To date, all communication between Mr. Allen and the Board of Management has been in writing.

In a related matter, the Board has directed staff of the Legislative Assembly to review the provisions of both the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act and the Elections Act with the intent of clarifying the requirement to continue to reside in the NWT after being elected to the Legislative Assembly.

For further information please contact:

Hon. Paul Delorey
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2234

Mr. Tim Mercer
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2299
 

 
July 9, 2004 - Legislative Assembly appoints Acting NWT Languages Commissioner

YELLOWKNIFE (July 9) – The Legislative Assembly has appointed an Acting NWT Official Languages Commissioner. Ms. Shannon Gullberg has been appointed to the position, and will report to the Legislative Assembly through the Office of the Speaker.

The term of employment for the current Languages Commissioner expires on July 9, 2004. Ms. Gullberg has been Legal Counsel for the NWT Languages Commissioner’s Office since 1996, and has been practicing law in the Northwest Territories for the past 16 years. She has agreed to fulfill the responsibilities of the Languages Commissioner until a permanent appointment to the position can be made.

The Legislative Assembly issued a public advertisement in early 2004 seeking candidates for the Languages Commissioner position. Unfortunately, there was very little response to the Request for Proposals and no suitable candidate was found. The RFP has been reissued and the competition closes on July 19th. The Legislative Assembly looks forward to finding a suitable candidate.

The Languages Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the recognition of the rights, statutes and privileges of each of the Official Languages and compliance with the spirit and intent of the Official Languages Act; conducting investigations either on his or her own initiative or pursuant to any complaint made to the Commissioner and reporting and making recommendations as provided in the Act; and preparing and submitting to the Legislative Assembly an annual report related to the conduct of the office of the Languages Commissioner and the execution of duties under the Act.

Any individuals interested in serving as the NWT Official Languages Commissioner should review and respond to the public advertisement, or contact the Clerk’s Office of the Legislative Assembly.

For further information, contact:

Andrew Stewart
Operations Assistant Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2343 or toll free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 873-0432
 

 
July 5, 2004 - Legislative Assembly Board of Management Terminates Capital Accommodation Allowance for Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen

YELLOWKNIFE (July 5) - The Board of Management of the 15th Legislative Assembly has withdrawn Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen’s entitlement to a Yellowknife accommodation allowance of up to $30,150 per year, effective April 1, 2004. The Board’s decision will also result in the value of other allowances paid to Mr. Allen being limited to the lower amounts paid to MLAs that normally reside in Yellowknife.

On March 31, 2004, Mr. Allen submitted a statutory declaration of residence to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly indicating that his place of primary residence was 107B East Campbell Lake, Inuvik. As required by legislation, this document was subsequently tabled in the Legislative Assembly. As Mr. Allen’s claim of primary residence at 107B East Campbell Lake was effective April 1, 2004, the Board requested that he provide documentation to substantiate his statutory declaration on or before June 30, 2004.

At a meeting of the Board on June 30, 2004, the information provided by Mr. Allen was reviewed. After careful consideration, the Board concluded that Mr. Allen had not provided adequate documentation to substantiate his claim of primary residence at 107B East Campbell Lake, Inuvik. Consequently, the Board directed that Mr. Allen’s entitlement to the capital accommodation allowance be withdrawn and that the value of his Northern Living Allowance and Members Expense Allowance be reduced to the lower amounts provided to MLAs who normally reside in Yellowknife. The Board further directed that Mr. Allen be required to repay to the Legislative Assembly any amounts already paid to him after April 1, 2004 within ninety days of its decision.

The Board has advised Mr. Allen that should he be able to provide it with satisfactory evidence that he permanently and normally resides at 107B East Campbell Lake while not attending to the official business of the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife, his allowances will be reinstated.

Further information on Member’s Accommodation, Northern Living and Expense allowances is attached.

For further information, please contact:

Hon. Paul Delorey
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2234

Mr. Tim Mercer
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2299

Backgrounder
The capital accommodation allowance is provided for in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. The purpose of the allowance is to reimburse MLAs who normally reside outside of commuting distance to Yellowknife for their accommodation costs while in the capital on business of the Legislative Assembly. The maximum that any member may claim in a given year for rent, utilities and other accommodation costs is currently $30,150. This allowance is not provided to MLAs who normally reside in Yellowknife.

MLAs are also entitled under the Act to a Northern Living Allowance and a Members’ Expense Allowance. The value of the Northern Living Allowance differs depending on the community in which the MLA normally resides. The value of the Northern Living Allowance for Members who reside in Inuvik is $8,551.92 per year, and $2,302.04 per year for Members who normally reside in Yellowknife. The value of the Members’ Expense Allowance for those MLAs who normally reside outside of Yellowknife is $9,882.08, and $6,393.92 for Members who normally reside in Yellowknife. The Members’ Expense Allowance is intended to cover the cost of meals and transportation for non-Yellowknife MLAs while they are in the capital on official business of the Legislative Assembly.
 

 
June 22, 2004 - Legislative Assembly searches for qualified candidates to be NWT Languages Commissioner

YELLOWKNIFE (June 22) – The NWT Official Languages Act provides for a Languages Commissioner who reports to the Legislative Assembly through the Office of the Speaker. During the 14th Legislative Assembly, the Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act reviewed and recommended changes to the legislation.

Among the recommended changes that were included in the revised Official Languages Act was a more focused role for the NWT Languages Commissioner.

The Legislative Assembly issued a public advertisement in early 2004 seeking candidates for the Languages Commissioner position. Unfortunately, there was very little response to the Request for Proposals, and no suitable candidate was found. The Legislative Assembly is reissuing the Request for Proposals in late June 2004.

The languages Commissioner would be responsible for ensuring the recognition of the rights, statutes and privileges of each of the Official Languages and compliance with the spirit and intent of the Official Languages Act; conducting investigations either on his or her own initiative or pursuant to a complaint made to the Commissioner and reporting and making recommendations as provided in the Act; and preparing and submitting to the Legislative Assembly an annual report related to the conduct of the Office of the Languages Commissioner and the execution of duties under the Act.

Any individuals interested in serving as the NWT Official Languages Commissioner should review and respond to the public advertisement, or contact the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly at:

Clerk’s Office
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: (867) 669-2299 or toll free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 873-0432
Email: clerks@gov.nt.ca
 

 
June 18, 2004 - Legislative Assembly Appoints Equal Pay Commissioner

Yellowknife (June 18) - As part of the implementation of the amendments to the NWT Public Service Act, the Legislative Assembly has recommended to the Commissioner the appointment of Ms. Nitya Iyer as the NWT Equal Pay Commissioner.

The amendments to the Public Service Act provide that employees within an establishment in the public service must not, on the basis of sex, be paid at a lesser rate than other employees who perform work of equal value. The Equal Pay Commissioner will investigate and assist in the resolution of complaints filed under these new provisions.

The Legislative Assembly issued a public advertisement in early 2004 seeking candidates for the first Equal Pay Commissioner. A motion for appointment was passed in the Legislative Assembly on May 31, 2004.

Ms. Nitya Iyer of Vancouver, British Columbia has been nominated for appointment as the first Equal Pay Commissioner for the Northwest Territories. Ms. Iyer has over 16 years of experience in teaching and practicing in public law and equality law, with a special focus on race, gender and disability issues in the workplace. She served for 4 years as a member of the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. More recently, in the fall of 2001, Ms. Iyer was appointed to a task force on pay equity by the Attorney General of British Columbia to make recommendations on pay equity for B.C.’s private sector. Ms. Iyer was previously retained by the GNWT to assist in developing an approach to pay equity in the NWT and assisted in the amendments to the Public Service Act.

Ms. Iyer’s appointment as the Equal Pay Commissioner takes effect on July 1, 2004.

For further information contact:

Mr. Tim Mercer
Clerk, Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2299

Ms. Nitya Iyer
Equal Pay Commissioner
(604) 891-1195
 

 
June 1, 2004 - David Krutko Elected as New Cabinet Minister

YELLOWKNIFE (June 1) - Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly have elected the Honourable David Krutko as a Cabinet Minister, to fill a vacant seat on the Executive Council.

Mr. Krutko was chosen in a secret ballot election in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly and was selected on the first ballot. He will be formally sworn in as Minister at the rise of the Legislative Assembly tomorrow, and will then formally join Premier Joseph (Joe) Handley and the rest of the Members of Cabinet. Mr. Krutko vacated his seat as Speaker of the 15th Assembly earlier today to pursue the Cabinet position.

This is Mr. Krutko’s third term in office as he was first elected in 1995 to the 13th Assembly, re-elected in 1999 to the 14th Assembly and was acclaimed to the 15th Legislative Assembly.

As a Member of the 13th Assembly, Mr. Krutko served as the chairman and member of a number of Standing and Special Committees. During the 14th Assembly, Mr. Krutko held the position of Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committee of the Whole. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Rules of Committee. In the 15th Assembly Mr. Krutko was Speaker of the Assembly and Chair of the Board of Management.

Mr. Krutko worked as a negotiator on the Dene Metis Land Claim Agreement and was a senior negotiator on the Gwich'in and the Sahtu Agreements. Mr. Krutko has served as the Vice-President of the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories, Vice-President of the Mackenzie Delta Tribal Council (now the Gwich'in Tribal Council), President of the Fort McPherson Metis Local, President of the Fort McPherson Hunters and Trappers Association, Councillor for the Fort McPherson Indian Band (now the Tetlit Gwich'in Council), Councillor for the Hamlet of Fort McPherson, Director of the Mackenzie Delta-Beaufort Sea Regional Planning Commission, member of the Gwich'in Land and Water Board, member of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, Director of the Metis Development Corporation and co-chairman of the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Group. Mr. Krutko also worked in the oil and gas industry in the Beaufort Sea and in Norman Wells in the 70s and 80s.

Mr. Krutko has four children: Gordie, Laura, Joanne, and Michelle.

For further information, contact:

Julia Heyland
Public Affairs and Communications Advisor
Phone: (867) 669-2230 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 920-4735
Email: julia_heyland@gov.nt.ca
 

 
June 1, 2004 - Paul Delorey Elected as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

YELLOWKNIFE (June 1) – Hay River North MLA, Paul Delorey, has been elected as the Speaker of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Delorey had the full support of the Members as he was acclaimed.

This is Mr. Delorey’s second term in office as he was first elected to the 14th Legislative Assembly as the Member for Hay River North on December 6th, 1999. Mr. Delorey was then acclaimed to the 15th Legislative Assembly for a second term of office in the fall of 2003.

During his tenure in the 14th Legislative Assembly, Mr. Delorey was a Member of the following Standing Committees: Governance and Economic Development, Rules and Procedures, Accountability and Oversight and served as the Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole. In addition, he was a member of the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause.

During his current term, Mr. Delorey was the Chair of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, and a member of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight and the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures.

Prior to his first term of office, Mr. Delorey worked as a locomotive engineer for Raillink Canada. Born in Guysborough, N.S., as the second youngest child in a family of 13, he moved to Hay River in 1968. Two years later, he began work for the Canadian National Railway as a trainperson before advancing to a locomotive engineer.

Mr. Delorey has an extensive history of volunteering and community service. He currently serves as the District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus for the Northwest Territories. He has a total of 22 years of service to the Knights of Columbus organization in the North.

Mr. Delorey and his wife Davida have four children, Michelle, Monique, D'arcy, and Katrina. They are also the proud grandparents to four grandchildren.

For more information, contact:

Julia Heyland
Public Affairs and Communications Advisor
Phone: (867) 669-2230 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 920-4735
Email: julia_heyland@gov.nt.ca
 

 
June 1, 2004 - Speaker of the 15th Legislative Assembly to pursue Cabinet position

YELLOWKNIFE (June 1) – Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable David Krutko, MLA for the Mackenzie Delta, has decided to vacate his position as Speaker. Mr. Krutko has served as Speaker for the 15th Assembly after being acclaimed to the position in December 2003.

The 15th Assembly is Mr. Krutko’s third term in office as he was first elected in 1995 to the 13th Assembly and re-elected in 1999 to the 14th Assembly.

As a Member of the 13th Assembly, Mr. Krutko served as the chairman and member of a number of Standing and Special Committees. During the 14th Assembly, Mr. Krutko held the position of Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committee of the Whole. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Rules Committee.

Mr. Krutko is stepping down as Speaker to seek the vacant seat on Cabinet recently held by the Honourable Henry Zoe.

For more information, contact:

Julia Heyland
Public Affairs and Communications Advisor
Phone: (867) 669-2230 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 920-4735
Email: julia_heyland@gov.nt.ca
 

 
May 31, 2004 - The Territorial Leadership Committee will be meeting tomorrow to elect a member to serve on the Executive Council.

The Caucus of the 15th Legislative Assembly has agreed that their first order of business on Tuesday, June 1st, will be to confirm the process for the selection of a new Minister. A vote will be held and the results will be released to the public.

The Territorial Leadership Committee meeting is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1st in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.

A formal motion to ratify the TLC selection will be introduced during the current sitting of the House.

For further information, contact:

Mr. Tim Mercer
Clerk, Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2299 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 920-4735

Julia Heyland
Public Affairs and Communications Advisor
Phone: (867) 669-2230 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 920-4735
Email: julia_heyland@gov.nt.ca
 

 
May 26, 2004 - Circle of Northern Leaders Summary Report released

Yellowknife (May 26) - The Summary Report of the Circle of Northern Leaders was tabled today in the Legislative Assembly. Tabled by Caucus Chair Norman Yakeleya, the report is a synopsis of the discussion that took place at the Circle of Northern Leaders meeting on the Hay River Dene Reserve April 6th to 8th, 2004.

This meeting was the first step toward establishing a forum for ongoing communication among northern leaders and to set the stage for a stronger and more collaborative relationship between northern governments. The gathering provided an opportunity for participants to discuss and share ideas about the broad principles that will guide the Government of the Northwest Territories’ priority setting and decision-making in future years.

“There are many areas that northern governments have in common and can work together on,” stated Mr. Yakeleya. “This meeting provided Caucus with a unique opportunity to have open and constructive dialogue with all northern leaders on common issues.”

“One of the main goals of Caucus is to collaborate with northern governments on strengthening the social, cultural and economic well-being of all our residents,” said Premier Joe Handley. “This gathering signifies the beginning of a new era of cooperation and collaboration among all northern governments.”

This report will be distributed throughout the NWT as well as to a broad range of other governments and agencies. It will also be posted on the Legislative Assembly web site at www.assembly.gov.nt.ca.

For further information contact:

Mr. Norman Yakeleya
Caucus Chair
(867) 669-2274

The Hon. Charles Dent
Government House Leader
(867) 669-2366
 

 
May 26, 2004 - 15th Legislative Assembly vision and goals document released today

Yellowknife (May 26) – The vision and goals of the 15th Legislative Assembly are now available to the public, announced Caucus Chair Norman Yakeleya.

“Concepts and ideas from the Members of the Legislative Assembly have been combined into a vision for the 15th Assembly,” Mr. Yakeleya stated. Members feel this is an important document that helps describe the direction of the Legislative Assembly for the next four years, and it should therefore be shared with all Northerners, to ensure both the Legislative Assembly and government can be held accountable.

“I am pleased that this document will be shared with the people of the NWT,” said Mr. Yakeleya. “Through our partnerships with Aboriginal and community governments, as well as through feedback from all Members of the Assembly, we feel we have been able to develop a vision and a set of goals that will benefit all northerners.”

“This document will help guide the Legislative Assembly and the government in its work throughout the life of this Assembly,” said Caucus Deputy Chair Dave Ramsay. “We want to ensure all northerners have access to this document, and we welcome their thoughts and ideas.”

Members agree that continuing to explore their relationships with Aboriginal and community governments is key to a bright future for the NWT. Input from all residents of the NWT will also help the Legislative Assembly continue to strive to achieve its goals.

The attached document will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly today and distributed throughout the NWT, as well as to a broad range of other governments and agencies. It will also be posted on the Legislative Assembly web site at www.assembly.gov.nt.ca.

For further information, contact:

Norman Yakeleya
MLA, Sahtu
Phone: (867) 669-2274
Toll free 1-800-661-0879

Julia Heyland
Public Affairs and Communications Advisor
Phone: (867) 669-2230
Toll-free 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 873-0222
 

 
May 13, 2004 - Legislative Assembly makes appointments in accordance with the NWT Human Rights Act

As part of the implementation of the Human Rights Act, the Legislative Assembly had recommended to the Commissioner the appointment of various individuals to the NWT Human Rights Commission.

The Legislative Assembly issued a public advertisement in late 2003 seeking candidates for the first Human Rights Commission. A motion for appointment of commission members and a Director of Human Rights was passed in the Assembly in March of 2004.

Nominated to the NWT Human Rights Commission are:

Ms. Mary Pat Short of the Town of Fort Smith;
Mr. Colin Baile of the City of Yellowknife;
Ms. Joletta Larocque of the Town of Hay River;
Mr. Lorne Gushue of the City of Yellowknife; and
Ms. Rose Marie Kirby of the Town of Inuvik.

The Human Rights Commission has selected Ms. Mary Pat Short as the Chairperson of the Commission, with Mr. Lorne Gushue being appointed as the Deputy Chairperson.

Ms. Therese Boullard has been nominated for appointment as the first Director of Human Rights for the Northwest Territories. Ms. Boullard brings over 10 years of experience in Human Rights work in various positions with the British Columbia Human Rights Commission.

The first meeting of the Human Rights Commission was held on May 4-5, 2004.

The target date for the Human Rights Commission office to officially open to the public is July 1, 2004.

For further information contact:

Dennis Marchiori
Coordinator, Human Rights Act Implementation, Legislative Assembly
(867) 669-2298

Ms. Therese Boullard
Director of Human Rights, Human Rights Commission
(867) 920-3072
 

 
April 23, 2004 - Caucus Endorses Development of Intergovernmental Assembly

The Circle of Northern Leaders meeting held on the K’atlodeechee First Nation Reserve on April 6-8 has been deemed a success by the Caucus of the 15th Legislative Assembly. “The meeting was intended to develop closer working relationships amongst all northern governments,” noted Caucus Chair Norman Yakeleya. “It provided us with an opportunity to discuss critical issues in one room as equal partners.”

Premier Joe Handley added “ These types of meetings are crucial to effective government in the NWT. It is our intention to maintain strong relationships with Northern leaders to ensure that the plans and priorities of the GNWT respect the aspirations of all governments and regions.”

Outcomes of the Circle of Northern Leaders were discussed at a meeting of the Caucus held on April 21 and 22. At this meeting, the Caucus endorsed in principle the concept of an Intergovernmental Assembly put forward at the Northern Leaders Meeting by the NWT Aboriginal Summit. Caucus Chair Norman Yakeleya and Government House Leader Charles Dent were tasked by the Caucus to meet with leaders of the Aboriginal Summit and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities to seek consensus on the terms of reference for the proposed Intergovernmental Summit and discuss a timeline for future meetings.

Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu and David Ramsay, MLA Kam Lake were appointed as Chair and Deputy Chair of Caucus respectively. These appointments follow the stepping down of former Caucus Chair Kevin Menicoche who has been appointed Chair of the Accountability and Oversight Committee.

For further information contact:

Norman Yakeleya
Chair of Caucus
Phone: (867) 669-2274
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
Norman_yakeleya@gov.nt.ca

Charles Dent
Government House Leader
Phone: (867) 669-2366
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
Charles_Dent@gov.nt.ca
 

 
March 19, 2004 - MLA Braden to host information session on Tlicho (Dogrib) Agreement

(Yellowknife, NT) All Yellowknife residents are invited to join constituents of Great Slave at an information meeting on Tuesday, March 23, on the Tlicho Land Claim and Self-Government Agreement.

The meeting is a follow-up to a commitment made by Bill Braden, MLA for the riding, during the last session of the previous government.

"When the previous Assembly passed the Tlicho Agreement Settlement Act, there was concern about the awareness and lack of public input into the process," said Mr. Braden. "I want to help people be better informed about the Tlicho Agreement, and the next two bills our Assembly will be considering."

Those bills will propose the establishment of community governments in the four Tlicho communities, and service agencies to implement the agreement. The Federal Government would also have to pass enabling legislation.

Braden was pleased to advise that Tlicho Grand Chief Joe Rabesca, and Premier Joe Handley, as the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, have both accepted his invitation to attend.

The meeting will include overview presentations from the Tlicho First Nation on the content of the Agreement. In addition, the GNWT will explain its role in passing legislation and implementing the historic plan. There will be ample time for discussion, questions and answers.

The meeting is planned for 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday March 23, in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly building.

For further information:

Bill Braden, MLA Great Slave
Phone: (867) 669 - 2276
Email: bill_braden@gov.nt.ca
 

 
March 17, 2004 - Northern Leaders' Meeting Co-chairs Announced

The Planning Committee for the Northern Leaders Meeting today announced that Mr. Jim Antoine and Ms. Joanne Barnaby have been invited to co-host the three-day meeting, scheduled for April 6-8, 2004 on the Hay River Reserve.

Mr. Antoine is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nahendeh and has served as both Premier and Minster with the Government of the Northwest Territories. He currently resides in Fort Simpson. Ms. Barnaby is a resident of Hay River and is a former Executive Director of the Dene Cultural Institute. "Both Jim and Joanne have experience chairing large, multi-party meetings like this," noted Caucus and Planning Committee Chair, Kevin Menicoche. "The Planning Committee is confident that they have the skills and credibility required to fulfill this challenging task."

The Planning Committee is chaired by Kevin Menicoche, MLA for Nahendeh and Chair of Caucus. It also consists of the Government House Leader, the Honourable Charles Dent, two representatives of the NWT Aboriginal Summit and the President of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities. The Committee has been tasked with coordinating the planning for the Northern Leaders Meeting including the selection of co-chairs and the preparation of the agenda.

The Northern Leaders meeting is expected to establish a mechanism for ongoing communication between governments and provide an opportunity for participants to discuss and share ideas about the broad principles that will guide the Government of the Northwest Territories' priority setting and decision-making in future years.

In addition to the 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly, leaders representing regional aboriginal governments, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC) and the Dene Nation have been invited to attend the meeting. A draft agenda for the meeting and a backgrounder is attached.

Premier Joe Handley, who attended the Planning Committee Meeting, stated his support for the Northern Leaders Meeting. "It demonstrates a new era of cooperation and a strengthened relationship between the Legislative Assembly and our northern partner governments."

For further information contact:

Mr. Kevin Menicoche Caucus Chair (867) 669-2294

The Hon. Charles Dent Government House Leader (867) 669-2366
 

Meeting of Northern Leaders

Backgrounder
March 17, 2004

The 19 Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly, as a Caucus, are committed to finding a means to establish an ongoing dialogue with other northern governments. They are proposing a gathering of northern leaders to discuss how this ongoing dialogue might be achieved.

Where did the idea come from?

Previous Legislative Assemblies, early in their terms, have met in private to work out an agenda or action plan for their terms of office. Examples have included "Towards a Better Tomorrow" developed by the 14th Assembly and "Agenda for Action" developed by the 13th Assembly.

When Members of the 15th Assembly first met as a Caucus in December of 2003, immediate emphasis was placed on the need to follow a more open and consultative process for developing an agenda. Specifically, the need to consult with other northern governments, both aboriginal and public, was stressed.

As its first course of action, the Caucus of the 15th Legislative Assembly agreed to convene a circle of northern leaders early in its term to seek input and advice on what its priorities should be. It is also hoped that the meeting will establish a forum for ongoing dialogue among northern leaders and set the stage for a stronger and more collaborative relationship between their respective governments

What is being proposed?

The meetings are scheduled to take place at the Chief Lamalice Complex on the Hay River Reserve from April 6-8, 2004. They will be co-chaired by Mr. Jim Antoine, a former MLA, Premier and Minister, and Ms. Joanne Barnaby, a resident of Hay River and former Executive Director of the Dene Cultural Institute. A draft agenda for the meetings is attached.

Who is leading this initiative?

The initiative is being lead by the 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly. This includes all Cabinet Ministers and Regular Members, working together collectively as Caucus. Caucus has delegated the responsibility for coordinating and planning the meeting to Caucus Chair Kevin Menicoche and Government House Leader Charles Dent.

Mr. Menicoche and Mr. Dent have invited representatives of the NWT Aboriginal Summit and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities to participate on a Planning Committee that will, among other things, select co-chairs and facilitators for the meeting and put together a draft agenda.

Who has been invited to participate?

In addition to the 19 MLAs, Caucus has invited up to three representatives from each of the following regional aboriginal governments and organizations to participate in the meeting:

• Akaitcho Treaty 8 Tribal Corporation
• Deh Cho First Nations
• Dene Nation
• Gwich'in Tribal Council
• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC)
• North Slave Metis Alliance
• Northwest Territories Metis Nation
• Sahtu Secretariat Inc. / Sahtu Dene Council
• Tlicho Treaty 11 Tribal Council

The Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC), on behalf of municipal and community governments in the NWT, has been invited to send up to seven representatives to the meeting. In all cases, it is up to each organization or government to determine whom they will send.

How will the initiative be funded?

Caucus recognizes that it takes time and money for organizations and governments to participate in meetings. The Legislative Assembly will provide funding to cover the costs of travel and accommodation for all invited delegates. The budget for the meeting has been set at $200,000.

Will the meetings be open to the Public?

Yes. Anyone wishing to observe the meetings is welcome to attend.

Is this a one-time event?

Caucus has expressed an interest in holding these meetings on a fairly regular basis. However, the decision as to the frequency of these meetings will be determined largely by those in attendance at the first meeting.

What outcomes are expected?

Until the invited participants have had an opportunity to provide their thoughts and input about how the ongoing dialogue will be structured, it is premature to talk about what outcomes the meetings will produce. Invited leaders have been asked to consider the following questions when framing their opening remarks on day 1 of the meeting:

1. What are the three biggest challenges facing your government today in terms of meeting the expectations of the people you serve for programs and services?

2. What are the biggest opportunities open to your government in the next five or ten years to improve services to the people you represent?

3. Are there issues that all northern leaders can work on cooperatively to provide better service to the people of the NWT?

4. What can be done to build trust among northern leaders?

The meeting may result in both tangible and intangible outcomes. Tangible outcomes could include the establishment of working groups or forums to address specific issues of concern to all northern governments. Intangible results could include improved working relationships between governments and greater understanding of the challenges facing each.

Who should I contact for more information?

Mr. Kevin Menicoche
Chair of Caucus
(867) 669-2294

Hon. Charles Dent
Government House Leader
(867) 669-2366

Mr. Don Morin
Executive Director, NWT Aboriginal Summit
(867) 669-7945

Mr. Blake Lyons
President, Northwest Territories Association of Communities
(867) 873-8359
 

Monday, April 5, 2005

5:00 p.m. Welcoming Reception

7:00 p.m. Hosted by MLAs for Deh Cho, Hay River North and Hay River South

Tuesday, April 6, 2005

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hotel

8:15 a.m. Transport to Hay River Reserve

9:00 a.m. Opening Prayer
Welcoming Remarks - Chief Roy Fabian

9:15 a.m. Introduction of Co-chairs
Review of Meeting Processes / Administrative Matters

9:30 a.m. Leaders Opening Comments
GNWT

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Leaders Opening Comments Continued
Akaitcho Treaty 8 Tribal Corporation
Deh Cho First Nation
Dene Nation

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:15 p.m. Leaders Opening Comments Continued
Gwich'in Tribal Council
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
North Slave Metis Alliance
Northwest Territories Metis Nation

3:15 p.m. Break

3:30 p.m. Leaders Opening Comments Continued
Sahtu Secretariat Inc. / Sahtu Dene Council
Tlicho Treaty 11 Tribal Council
Northwest Territories Association of Communities

4:45 p.m. Day 1 Wrap up (Co-chairs)

5:00 p.m. Return to Hay River
Free Evening

Wednesday, April 7, 2005

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hotel

8:15 a.m. Transport to Hay River Reserve

9:00 a.m. Opening Prayer
Housekeeping Items

9:15 a.m. Summary of Day 1 Comments Identification of Round Table Discussion Topics

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Round Table Discussion - Topic 1

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:15 p.m. Round Table Discussion - Topic 2

2:45 p.m. Break

3:00 p.m. Round Table Discussion - Topic 3

4:30 p.m. Wrap up of Day 2 Discussion (Co-chairs)

5:00 p.m. Community Feast
Hosted by Katlodeeche First Nation

7:30 p.m. Return to Hay River

Thursday, April 8, 2005

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hotel

8:15 a.m. Transport to Hay River Reserve

9:00 a.m. Opening Prayer
Housekeeping Items

9:15 a.m. Summary of Round Table Discussions - Co-chairs and Facilitators

10:15 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. What Next?
Conclusions and Next Steps
Closing Prayer
Adjournment
News Conference

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Return to Hay River
 

 
February 6, 2004 - Notice of Board of Management Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Management will be held on Wednesday February 11th, 2004 beginning at 9:00AM in Committee Room A.

The meeting will be open to the public.

If you have any questions or would like to receive a copy of the Agenda for this meeting please contact:

Timothy P. Mercer
The Office of the Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Tel: (867) 669-2299 / Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
 

 
January 20, 2004 - Northern Leaders' Meeting

Caucus Chair Kevin Menicoche and Premier Joseph Handley announced today that the 19 Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly have invited Northern Aboriginal and community governments to participate in a meeting of northern leaders.

This meeting is expected to establish a mechanism for ongoing communication between governments and provide an opportunity for participants to discuss and share ideas about the broad principles that will guide the Government of the Northwest Territories' priority setting and decision-making in future years.

"Caucus intends to invite leaders of regional governments, along with community government representatives, to begin a dialogue about strengthening our working relationships", stated Mr. Menicoche.

Premier Handley stated that the GNWT fully supports a meeting of northern leaders. "We believe this announcement by Caucus to establish the foundation for a new and strengthened relationship with other northern governments is important. It demonstrates a new era of cooperation between Members of the Legislative Assembly and we hope it is the beginning of a collaborative relationship between the territorial government and our northern partner governments", said Premier Handley.

Caucus has set a tentative timeframe of April 2004 for the first meeting.

For further information contact:

Mr. Kevin Menicoche
Caucus Chair
(867) 669-2294

The Hon. Charles Dent
Government House Leader
(867) 669-2366
 

 
January 16, 2004 - Notice of Board of Management Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Management will be held on Wednesday January 21st, 2004 beginning at 10:30AM in Committee Room A.

The meeting will be open to the public.

If you have any questions or would like to receive a copy of the Agenda for this meeting please contact:

Timothy P. Mercer
The Office of the Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Tel: (867) 669-2299 / Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
 

 
January 15, 2004 - MEMBERS OF THE 15TH ASSEMBLY MEET FOR SECOND TIME

Members of the 15th Assembly met in Yellowknife for the second time as a Caucus January 13-15. The Meetings gave new and veteran Members an opportunity to share information and build on the working relationship that was begun last December. Discussions focussed on how the 19 Members will work among themselves, and how partnerships might be built with other northern governments and leaders. Government officials were also on hand to provide background on the current socio-economic situation of the NWT and issues that remain from the 14th Assembly. A number of issues were identified and information was shared in preparation for decision-making on strategic priorities and actions. Caucus provides an important opportunity for all 19 Members, including the Speaker and Cabinet Members to share ideas and information from their constituencies freely, and as equals.

Contact:

Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
Caucus Chair
Phone: (867) 669-2294
e-mail: Kevin_Menicoche@gov.nt.ca