Kevin O'Reilly

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Chief Electoral Officer undertake a review of best practices on election reporting and return to the Legislative Assembly within six months with the findings of that review and any potential amendments to the Elections and Plebiscites Act. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that Section 73 of the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to state that the list of electors shall be provided to candidates as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Merci, Monsieur le President. The recent announcement of $225,000 for a community suicide prevention fund is good news in our continuing struggle to confront this social tragedy. Providing up to $45,000 per project, the fund will enable Indigenous governments and non-governmental organizations to develop and deliver community-based suicide prevention activities. The announcement stressed an approach through programs that are "culturally-safe and support the prevention of suicide by increasing community wellness and reducing stigma." The announcement further said that the fund will prioritize...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that Elections NWT follow the same procurement practices as the Legislative Assembly and publicly disclose all contracts, the procurement process used for each contract, and the amount of each contract in the Elections NWT annual report. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to require a public body at request to provide the personal information held by that body. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that Section 144(1) of the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to allow for voting in the Office of the Returning Officer to commence on the 21st day before polling day. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, I want to give MLA Green a lot of credit. She chaired in, at the last Assembly, a special committee on increasing the representation in women. One of the recommendations that they brought forward was that some consideration be given to a rebate program to sort of lower the barriers for women in particular getting into politics. Committee accepted a further presentation from Ms. Green on this topic, and we were happy to put forward the rebate program that she has recommended. I'll just list the criteria for that very quickly for members of the public and to refresh Members' memories...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Elections and Plebiscites Act be amended to allow for a candidate's financial report to be submitted electronically. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Certainly, that was one of the issues that committee did consider. Committee was of the view that we always want to have in-person, paper ballots available for future elections. Certainly, for elders, seniors, that is what people are used to, and we don't want to take that opportunity away. There is nothing in this recommendation that requires electronic voting, but if there is electronic voting, we need to make sure that we have some clear guidance on how that will be done in the future. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to surprise my friends on the other side and indicate that I intend to support this bill. Thank you.