2009 ~ 2008 ~ 2007 ~ 2006 ~ 2005 ~ 2004 ~ 2003
News Releases - 2006
- MLA for Monfwi elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight - November 2, 2006
- Legislative Assembly approves appointments to the Standing Committees and Board of Management - November 2, 2006
- New Chief Electoral Officer appointed by the Legislative Assembly of the NWT - November 2, 2006
- Kam Lake MLA pleased with Speaker’s Ruling - October 27, 2006
- First Reading of Bill to set fixed date for general elections Bill 15 – Elections and Plebiscites Act - October 26, 2006
- MLA’s Recommend Kevin Menicoche for appointment to the Executive Council - October 23, 2006
- First Reading of Bill to revise NWT electoral boundaries - October 20, 2006
- Territorial Leadership Committee to meet on October 23, 2006 - October 19, 2006
- Nahendeh MLA supports Trout Lake’s decision not to cancel community hunt in favour of NEB visit - October 5, 2006
- MLAs Distance themselves from Premier’s remarks - September 26, 2006
- Sahtu MLA disappointed Deline, NT ignored in CBC production Hockey: A People’s History - September 19, 2006
- Pre-budget community consultations wrap up with a full slate of presentations - September 6, 2006
- Electoral Boundaries Commission Report Tabled - May 31, 2006
- Motion Adopted for Recognition of Aboriginal Elders Expertise - March 3, 2006
- Designated Budget Days For Legislative Assembly Session - February 6, 2006
- Legislative Assembly Launches Pilot Project For Sessional Coverage - February 1, 2006
- MLA Robert Hawkins Vindicated in Elections Investigation Report - January 16, 2006
November 2, 2006
MLA for Monfwi elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight
( YELLOWKNIFE) – November 2, 2006 - The MLA for Monfwi, Mr. Jackson Lafferty has been elected by his colleagues as the Chairperson of the Accountability and Oversight Committee of the 15 th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. The vacancy was filled after the Committee’s previous chair was appointed to the Executive Council.
In his role as Chair, Mr. Lafferty will lead the 11-Member Standing Committee on Accountability as it undertakes its mandate and reviews issues that have government-wide implications. The Accountability and Oversight Committee examines matters with respect to the Financial Management Board Secretariat and the Departments of the Executive, Finance, Human Resources, and Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.
The Chair of a Committee is responsible for maintaining order in Committee proceedings and ensuring that any rules established by the Committee are respected. Chairs of Committees also often assume a leadership role in planning and coordinating the Committee’s work and in conducting it’s investigations.
Prior to being elected in a by-election to the 15 th Legislative Assembly, Mr. Lafferty worked as a Superintendent of Participation Agreements with Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Other previous work experience includes, Community Development and Empowerment Coordinator for the GNWT, Administrator for the Rae-Edzo School Society, Assistant Manager for the Rae-Edzo Dene Band Development Corporation, and Community Liaison for Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
Mr. Lafferty has served on various boards and agencies including the Board of Governors for Aurora College, the Board of Directors for the Métis Dene Development Fund, Chairperson of the Dogrib Community Services Board, Chairperson of the Dogrib Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund and Band Councillor for the Dogrib Rae Band.
For further information:
Jackson Lafferty, Chair
Accountability and Oversight Committee
MLA Monfwi
Phone: 867-669-2272 or toll free1-800-661-0784
Email: jackson_lafferty@gov.nt.ca
November 2, 2006
Legislative Assembly approves appointments to the Standing Committees and Board of Management
( YELLOWKNIFE) - November 2, 2006 – Members of the 15 th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories passed a Motion appointing Mr. Michael Miltenberger, the MLA for Thebacha, to the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development and the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures. The Motion also appoints Mr. Norman Yakeleya as a full member of the Board of Management.
In addition, Mr. Miltenberger is appointed as an alternate member to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, the Standing Committee on Social Programs, and the Board of Management.
In terms of responsibility, the shared mandate of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development and the Standing Committee on Social Programs is to:
- review legislative and policy proposals, multi-year plans and budgets, Bills, boards and agencies;
- review departmental performance; and
- consider any other matter referred by the House.
The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development considers these matters with respect to the following departments: Public Works and Services; Municipal and Community Affairs; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Environment and Natural Resources, and Transportation.
The Board of Management is responsible for the general administration of the Legislative Assembly. The Board exercises financial authority over the Legislative Assembly and provides policy advice on organization and administration.
For further information:
Doug Schauerte, Deputy Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Phone: 867-669-2272 or toll free1-800-661-0784
Email: clerks@gov.nt.ca
November 2, 2006
New Chief Electoral Officer appointed by the Legislative Assembly of the NWT
YELLOWKNIFE (November 2, 2006) – The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories has confirmed the appointment of Ms.. Saundra Arberry as the Chief Electoral Officer of the NWT. The appointment is pursuant to Section 3 (1) of the Elections Act and takes effect on January 5, 2007.
Ms. Arberry’s professional history includes an appointment as the Electoral Returning Officer for the constituency of Yellowknife South for the previous two General Elections.
Ms. Arberry comes to Elections NWT with 12 years of experience working with the Government of the Northwest Territories, most recently with the Department of the Executive as the Senior Communications Advisor and as an Intergovernmental Affairs and Strategic Planning Analyst. In addition, Ms. Arberry spent 10 years with the Department of Justice.
In her role as Chief Electoral Officer, Ms. Arberry will report to the Legislative Assembly through the Speaker and will be responsible for the strategic management of territorial elections and plebiscites, exercising general direction and supervision over the administrative conduct of an election. In addition, the Chief Electoral Officer will establish policies and procedures, manage the Registrar of Territorial Electors, supply training and guidance to electoral officers, and provide advice and recommendations to the Legislative Assembly regarding elections legislation and policy.
Mr. Glen McLean, the current Chief Electoral Officer, is retiring from office on January 5, 2007. Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories express deep appreciation to Mr. McLean for his service to the House and to Northerners.
The next General Election will be held in October 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2299 or toll-free: 1-800-661-0784
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca
October 27, 2006
Kam Lake MLA pleased with Speaker’s Ruling
YELLOWKNIFE (October 27) –Mr. David Ramsay, the MLA for Kam Lake, was pleased to hear that the Honourable Paul Delorey, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, has ruled a prima facie breach of privilege occurred in the Chamber on October 19,2006. The ruling is in response to a point of privilege raised by Mr. Ramsay following an exchange with the former Executive Council Member, Michael Miltenberger.
The Speaker’s Ruling stated, “A threat to a Member’s family and their livelihood, made by a Minister who is responsible for the operation of the very institution to which that family members works, could undoubtedly prevent that Member from speaking freely in the Chamber, and could be seen as a threat, intimidation or interference to that Member in the carrying out of his Parliamentary duties.”
In his ruling, the Speaker noted, “In speaking to the point of privilege, Mr. Miltenberger offered what I believe was a sincere apology to the Member for Kam Lake for his alleged actions and remarks. However, neither he, nor any other Member who was present in the House that day, offered an alternative explanation as to the meaning and intent of his actions, nor did anyone contest the description of his actions provided by the Member for Kam Lake. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, I can thus only conclude that the description of the Member for Thebacha’s action as offered by Mr. Ramsay are accurate.”
Kam Lake MLA David Ramsay says, “The Speaker’s ruling validates without question that this was the correct course of action. The ruling confirms that intimidation will not be tolerated and that the integrity of the institution must be upheld.”
Mr. Ramsay says, “I am very thankful and moved by the outpouring of support I have received from Northerners all over the territory. People say it was absolutely the right thing to do and that no Member of this House should ever be threatened by another Member for carrying out the work of his or her constituents.”
When the Speaker rules a prima facie breach of privilege has occurred then any Member may either immediately propose a motion or, by the conclusion of the next sitting day, give notice of a motion calling upon the Assembly to take action on the matter or refer the matter to a committee of the Assembly.
The 5th Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly will resume on Monday October 30, 2006 at 1:30 p.m.
For further information, please contact:
David Ramsay, MLA Kam Lake
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2296 or toll-free: 1-800-661-0784
Email: david_ramsay@gov.nt.ca
October 26, 2006
First Reading of Bill to set fixed date for general elections
Bill 15 – Elections and Plebiscites Act
YELLOWKNIFE (October 26) – Bill 15, an Act to replace the Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act and to establish fixed dates for general elections, received Second Reading in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories today.
Kam Lake MLA David Ramsay introduced the Bill, which is in response to recommendations made by the Chief Electoral Officer in his report on the administration of the 2003 General Election tabled on May 31, 2004.
Other changes proposed by the Bill include new rules with respect to the definition of ordinary residence, specifically for those persons without a permanent dwelling place, incarcerated persons and students attending educational institutions. It also proposes changes to the use, placement, and display of election campaign signs and allows candidates to campaign inside multiple dwelling sites or apartment buildings. Additionally, the Bill proposes that a person whose name does not appear on the list of electors may establish their identity through personal acquaintance with an election official at the polling station.
Bill 15 will be debated in Committee of the Whole during the current session before going back to the House for Third and final reading. A copy of the Bill will be available on the Legislative Assembly’s Internet website at: www.assembly.gov.nt.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Glen McLean
Chief Electoral Officer
Elections NWT
Telephone: 867-920-6999
David Ramsay
MLA Kam Lake
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Telephone: 867-669-2296
October 23, 2006
MLA’s Recommend Kevin Menicoche for appointment to the Executive Council
YELLOWKNIFE (October 23) - Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly have voted to recommend the appointment of Kevin Menicoche, the Member for Nahendeh, to the Executive Council.
Mr. Menicoche was chosen in a secret ballot election during the third meeting of the Territorial Leadership Committee held in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly this morning.
A motion will confirm the appointment when the 5th Session continues this afternoon. NWT Commissioner Anthony Whitford will formally swear in Mr. Menicoche as a Member of the Executive Council tomorrow, October 24, 2006. The ceremony will be held in the Chamber beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Menicoche was elected to the 15th Legislative Assembly in 2003 and has served as the Chair of the Accountability and Oversight Committee, a Member of the Governance and Economic Development Committee, the Board of Management, and as an alternate Member to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures and the Standing Committee on Social Programs.
Prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Menicoche served for two years as a member of the Fort Simpson Village Council and for six years with the Liidlii Kue First Nation. Mr. Menicoche previously worked with Enbridge Pipelines Inc. for 17 years as the Senior Maintenance Technician and the Safety Officer.
For further information, please contact:
Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone 867-669-2294
October 20, 2006
First Reading of Bill to revise NWT electoral boundaries
Bill 14 – Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act
YELLOWKNIFE (October 20) –The MLA for Nunakput Calvin Pokiak introduced Bill 14, an Act to amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, yesterday in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. The Bill is in response to recommendations made by the Northwest Territories Electoral Boundaries Commission to revise the existing NWT electoral boundaries.
Bill 14 proposes to adjust the electoral boundaries within three NWT communities to achieve the goal of fair and adequate representation for Northerners while maintaining the current 19-seat legislature.
The Bill proposes changes to the electoral boundaries in Hay River and Inuvik to achieve greater parity of electors in the two constituencies within each community. In addition, it proposes changes to the electoral boundaries within Yellowknife to achieve a greater balance.
Bill 14 will be debated in Committee of the Whole during the current session before going back to the House for third and final reading. A copy of the Bill will be available on the Legislative Assembly’s Internet website at: www.assembly.gov.nt.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Members of the Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2200
Toll free: 1-800-661-0784
October 19, 2006
Territorial Leadership Committee to meet on October 23, 2006
YELLOWKNIFE (October 19) –The Territorial Leadership Committee (TLC) of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories will convene in the Assembly Chamber on Monday October 23, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. to elect a new Minister to serve on the Executive Council.
The vacancy on the Executive Council comes after 11 MLA’s voted in favour of a motion to revoke the appointment of Michael Miltenberger to the Executive Council on Thursday October 19,2006.
The Caucus of the 15 th Legislative Assembly has agreed to maintain the regional balance on Cabinet, meaning only those Members representing southern constituencies will be eligible for nomination to the vacant Cabinet post. The southern constituencies include:
- Deh Cho
- Hay River South,
- Hay River North,
- Nahendeh,
- Thebacha, and
- Tu Nedhe
A secret ballot vote will be held and the results will be released to the public. Members of the public are welcome to view the proceedings from the Public Gallery.
For further information, please contact:
Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2299 or toll-free: 1-800-661-0784
October 5, 2006
Nahendeh MLA supports Trout Lake’s decision not to cancel community hunt in favour of NEB visit
FORT SIMPSON, NT (October 5) - Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche supports the decision made by the leadership in Trout Lake to continue the community’s cultural hunting and traditional activities planned for this week despite a stopover visit from the National Energy Board (NEB).
MLA Kevin Menicoche says, “I support the community’s decision and the position expressed by the leadership to carry on with the cultural hunt and other traditional activities this week.”
Mr. Menicoche is expressing his support for the community decision because some stories appearing in the news suggest the people of Trout Lake are not interested in taking part in the NEB hearings.
Mr. Menicoche disagrees, “On the contrary, the community is very interested. But the National Energy Board failed to consider plans the community already made for other activities of equal importance to our people such as hunting to feed our families and teaching our youth about the importance of traditional values.”
Residents of Trout Lake have participated actively in the NEB discussions and have also made written submissions to the board.
“First Nation and local governments are proud of their right to promote and protect the Aboriginal traditional lifestyle. It is essential for our community members to place emphasis on our cultural practices,” says Menicoche.
Fur further information, contact:
Kevin Menicoche
MLA Nahendeh
Tel: 867-695-3780
Email: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca
September 26, 2006
MLAs Distance themselves from Premier’s remarks
(Yellowknife, NT) September 26 – The undersigned Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories state their disappointment and shock with Premier Joe Handley’s comments reported by The Canadian Press on Friday, September 22, 2006.
In response to the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) position taken in a civil case currently before the Courts, Premier Handley spoke publicly to the content of the GNWT’s defense. In doing so, the Premier breached a well known convention of politicians not speaking to matters before the Courts.
The comments were particularly inappropriate in this instance given the very sensitive nature of the case being brought by the Plaintiffs. The civil case relates to alleged actions of convicted pedophile, Edward Horne, while in the employ of the GNWT.
The issue of sexual abuse in institutions and by persons who held positions of trust in relation to Aboriginal people is one that has had devastating ramifications in the North. As such, the Premier should not have made any statements that could be interpreted, to dismiss or discredit the claims of the alleged victims. Any judgement of facts or circumstances should be left to the Courts.
For this reason, the undersigned MLA’s categorically distance themselves from the remarks made by the Premier.
For more information, please contact:
- Bill Braden, MLA Great Slave Jane Groenewegen, MLA Hay River South
- Robert McLeod, MLA Inuvik Twin Lakes Dave Ramsay, MLA Kam Lake
- Jackson Lafferty, MLA Monfwi Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
- Calvin Pokiak, MLA Nunakput Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu
- Bobby Villenueve, MLA Tu Nedhe Robert Hawkins, MLA Yellowknife Centre
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Phone: 867 669 2299 (main number)
Fax: 867 920 4735
Toll free: 1 800 661 0784
September 19, 2006
Sahtu MLA disappointed Deline, NT ignored in CBC production Hockey: A People’s History
(Yellowknife, NT) September 19 – The Member of the Legislative Assembly for Sahtu, Norman Yakeleya, is disappointed with the highly promoted CBC television series called, Hockey-A People’s History. The production ignores Deline, NT as the official birthplace of hockey, a designation based on historical fact dating back to 1825. The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and the Society for International Hockey Research acknowledge Deline as the game’s birthplace.
Mr. Yakeleya points to the first historical record of the game written by British explorer Sir John Franklin in which he describes his crewmen playing hockey on the ice of Goose Lake, near the present day community of Deline, NT on Great Bear Lake.
Mr. Yakeleya says CBC producers must be more thorough in their research. “It is an historical fact that the game of hockey was being played in the North long before it’s first mention in the history books of the Maritime Provinces. Sir John Franklin wrote, and I quote, “till the snow fell, the game of hockey, played on the ice, was the morning sport” Franklin wrote that in 1825 during one of his overland expeditions in the North, 20 years before the game is mentioned in other records.”
Mr. Yakeleya says by omitting the facts, the documentary series promotes misinformation and falls short of CBC’s tradition of journalistic excellence, “Canadians expect the public broadcaster to be more diligent in it’s presentation of the facts. This is an unfortunate omission that I hope the show producers will be able to remedy because it’s imperative for Canadian history to be documented accurately.”
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories passed a motion unanimously in February 2006 recognizing Deline as the official birthplace of hockey in Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
P: (867) 669 2274
F: (867) 669 0276
Toll free: 1 800 661 0784
Email: norman_Yakeleya@gov.nt.ca
September 6, 2006
Pre-budget community consultations wrap up with a full slate of presentations
(Yellowknife, NT) September 6 - The pre-budget community consultations wrapped up in Yellowknife with a full evening of presentations made to the Legislative Assembly’s Accountability and Oversight Committee (AOC). The Committee invited input from Northerners on possible measures the Government of the Northwest Territories might adopt toward reducing the cost of living.
The Committee listened to presentations from organizations including the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Arctic Energy Alliance. Representatives spoke on a wide range of topics including housing, tourism, energy, planning, and funding to non-government organizations. The presentations reflect similar cost of living issues expressed in other communities across the North. Additional recurring themes include the rising cost of housing maintenance, utilities, fuel, and nutritious food.
Yesterday’s session wraps up a series of community consultations held in Aklavik, Sachs Harbour, Wekweti, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Fort Liard, K’atlodeeche, and Yellowknife.
The MLA for Nahendeh and Chair of the Accountability and Oversight Committee Kevin Menicoche says, “Pre-budget consultations are a fundamental part of Consensus government giving Northerners opportunity for input into government spending and priorities. I believe it is important for Northerners to have their say in the planning process because their participation gives us a clear indicator of what our people are most concerned about.”
A report detailing the pre-budget consultations will be tabled during the next session of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, which begins on October 17,2006.
AOC Chair Menicoche says. “I continue to believe that meeting people directly is still the best part of our job as Members of the Legislative Assembly. And it is very satisfying when our people take part in this unique and valuable system of government – Northerners have a say and the Legislative Assembly is always prepared to listen.”
The AOC is examining a change to the timing of the next round of consultations to create greater community involvement opportunities in the budget development cycle.
For more information, please contact:
Kevin Menicoche, AOC Chair
MLA, Nahendeh
Phone: (867) 669 2294
Toll free: 1 800 661 0784
Email: Kevin_menichoche@gov.nt.ca
May 31, 2006
Electoral Boundaries Commission Report Table
YELLOWKNIFE (May 31) – The report of the Northwest Territories Electoral Boundaries Commission was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on May 30, 2006, by the Honourable Speaker Paul Delorey. The report provides the Legislative Assembly with recommendations for changes to the existing NWT electoral boundaries.
The Caucus of the Legislative Assembly will now consider the recommendations of the report. A Bill to amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act will be introduced during the October 2006 sitting of the Legislative Assembly if changes to the existing electoral boundaries are required.
“It is important that careful consideration be given to the recommendations and valuable work done by the Electoral Boundaries Commission as it strives to ensure a fair and representative electoral system for the NWT,” said Mr. Delorey.
The establishment of an Electoral Boundaries Commission every eight years is a requirement of the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act. The current Commission was established by the Legislative Assembly in October of 2005 with a mandate to provide a report within six months.
The Chair of the Commission, the Honourable Justice John Z. Vertes, delivered the report to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on April 28, 2006. At this time, copies of the report were distributed to the Members of the Legislative Assembly and were made available to the public.
For further information, please contact:
Paul Delorey
Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Tel: (867) 669-2234
Fax: (867) 873-0273
March 3, 2006
Motion Adopted for Recognition of Aboriginal Elders Expertise
YELLOWKNIFE (March 3) – A Motion brought forward by Jackson Lafferty, MLA for Monfwi, was adopted in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, March 2 nd, formally recognizing the value of the traditions and expertise of Aboriginal elders.
The motion was brought forward to recognize the knowledge of elders as comparable to other forms of expertise. It acknowledges the value of traditional knowledge to government, schools and industry and demands standards be set for compensating cultural experts for their knowledge, comparable to the fees paid to other expert consultants.
The Motion further asks the government to implement measures to ensure elders who are called upon as experts do not lose their pensions as a result of sharing their knowledge.
"Our elders are our teachers,” said Mr. Lafferty. “Their knowledge keeps our culture and traditions strong and for that, they deserve the utmost respect. This motion formally acknowledges that."
The adoption of this motion is an important step in recognizing the value of Dene culture.
For further information, contact:
Jackson Lafferty
MLA, Monfwi
Tel: (867) 669-2272
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 669-2223
Email: Jackson_Lafferty@gov.nt.ca
February 6, 2006
Designated Budget Days For Legislative Assembly Session
YELLOWKNIFE (February 6) – A Motion was adopted in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, February 3rd, that establishes Designated Budget Days beginning on Monday, February 6 th, and for the remainder of the current Session.
With the passing of this Motion, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays will now be Designated Budget Days, to be implemented on a provisional basis. The House will now sit from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on these days, to allow for more time in Committee of the Whole to review the Main Estimates of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The order of business and sitting hours will remain the same on Thursdays and Fridays, with the House sitting from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Minister’s Statements will now be limited to ten minutes on Designated Budget Days, half the standard time allotted of twenty minutes. Regular Members will be limited to two supplementary questions per Oral Question rather than three. Also on these designated days, Replies to the Opening Address, Reports of Standing and Special Committees and Motions will be removed from the Orders of the Day.
The House will not sit on Friday, February 17, 2006, to allow Members the opportunity to travel back to their communities for a few days to meet and discuss issues with constituents.
Mr. Bill Braden, MLA for Great Slave, and mover of the Motion, said “The biggest advantage in these designated days is that we are conducting our business during hours that are more accessible to the general public, as well as the media.”
These Designated Budget Days will be observed until the end of the current sitting, currently scheduled to finish on Thursday, March 2, 2006.
For further information, contact:
Tim Mercer
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
Tel: (867) 669-2299
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
Fax: (867) 920-4735
Email: Tim_Mercer@gov.nt.ca
February 1, 2006
Legislative Assembly Launches Pilot Project For Sessional Coverage
YELLOWKNIFE (February 1) – The 15 th Legislative Assembly has launched a pilot project for coverage of the upcoming Budget Session. This project includes web casting of the Assembly proceedings, and local radio and television coverage in many communities across the NWT.
Links to live audio web streams are now available on the Legislative Assembly website at www.assembly.gov.nt.ca. The audio web cast will be available to all listeners on dialup/modem Internet connections, which are available in all communities in the NWT. Full audio and video web casting will also be available, which will require the viewer to have a high-speed Internet connection.
A two-day archive of web casts of the proceeding will also be available. The live and archived streams will contain the complete day’s Sessional coverage and will be broadcast over the Internet in its entirety.
Audio coverage of the Assembly proceedings will also be rebroadcast on CKLB Radio, each evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CKLB broadcasts reach 30 out of 33 of the NWT communities. Audio rebroadcasts will be available on the local radio station in Paulatuk, one of the communities that does not receive CKLB broadcasts.
Viewers in Yellowknife will be able to see our regular live coverage of the Assembly on Channel 20, the Community Access Television Channel, and a rebroadcast of the first two hours of the previous day’s proceedings, which will be aired Monday to Friday, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
“Each of the 33 NWT communities will enjoy live broadcast coverage of the Assembly proceedings in one form or another, and efforts will continue to further improve the coverage capabilities throughout the territory,” said Speaker Paul Delorey. “All Members understand the importance of ready access to Assembly proceedings by all NWT residents, and we will continue to work to improve these services.”
It is anticipated that agreements with local cable television services in Ft. Smith, Ft. Simpson, Hay River, Tuktoyaktuk and Behchoko will soon be finalized. Residents in Sachs Harbour will also be able to visit the Hamlet Office to watch the DVD version of previous day’s broadcasts or to borrow a copy for home viewing.
Consideration is being given in the long term to a dedicated television channel for all three Northern Legislatures.
For further information, contact:
Julia Heyland
Public Affairs and Communications Advisor
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Tel: (867) 669-2230
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0784
Email: Julia_Heyland@gov.nt.ca
January 16, 2006
MLA Robert Hawkins Vindicated in Elections Investigation Report
YELLOWKNIFE (January 16) – Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins has been advised that the investigation into alleged infractions of the Elections Act during the 2003 NWT general election related to the use of a private vehicle is complete and it has been determined that no infractions by Robert Hawkins took place.
“I am obviously extremely pleased with the results, which confirm my position that the use of a private vehicle to promote my election was proper,” said Mr. Hawkins. “I have always maintained that my campaign, while a hard fought one, was fair.”
Mr. Hawkins was also very pleased that the decision will hopefully deal with any “volunteer chill” that may have taken place as a result of the allegations. “Volunteerism in elections is a long-standing democratic tradition and a backbone of the electoral process,” said Mr. Hawkins. “The allegations made went to the nature and scope of volunteers in electoral campaigns. I am very glad that the decision also is consistent with continued volunteer support. I appreciate every person who gets involved in the democratic electoral process.”
“Now, it is time to move on and to keep ensuring that the voices of Yellowknife Centre constituents are heard in the Assembly,” said Mr. Hawkins.
Fur further information, contact:
Robert Hawkins
MLA Yellowknife Centre
Tel: (867) 669-2264
Email: Robert_Hawkins@gov.nt.ca