Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to provide opening comments on this matter as deputy chair of the Caucus.

As required by legislation, the House appointed an Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2021. The Commission published an interim report in December of 2021 to generate public input and discussion. Public consultations were hampered by COVID19 but three virtual public hearings were held from February 14th to the 18th, 2022. Three residents appeared at these public hearings, and 12 others provided written submissions to the Commission. The commission's final report was tabled in the...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Recommendations 6 to 10 are about participation on standing and special committee by Regular Members.

Committee motion number 6, I move that this Assembly recommends that all MLAs, excluding the Speaker, Premier, or Ministers, are expected to participate on a minimum of two standing committees, not including the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, and at least one special committee, if there are special committees. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that a shared office space for Yellowknife Members of the Legislative Assembly be established that is located in a central part of the city that is accessible to all the Yellowknife constituents and others who are seeking information or support. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, since this Legislative Assembly began reimbursing Members for child care expenses at the beginning of this Assembly, I have heard that some Members with children are reluctant to claim reimbursement for child care expenses under the existing program. I think the existing program is a good one, and I encourage all Members to make use of it when they're required to attend meetings outside normal working hours or when the Member's child or children are required to travel with the Member while the Member is performing constituency or Legislative Assembly business. I recommend against...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommend that an electronic package of any relevant materials relating to the work of future independent commissions to review Member's compensation and benefits be delivered to the Members of future independent Commissions as soon as they are appointed to allow them time to read, review, and prepare for the work they will conduct and complete. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Board of Management, if the Members agree, may use some of this fund to provide training for all Members in a specific area of interest. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the budget amounts available to MLAs for constituency assistant salaries be increased by the Canadian consumer price index annually. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I support this motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that this Assembly recommend that the information about pay and benefits be moved to a standalone tab in the side bar under the "Members" tab on the Legislative Assembly website. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Members handbook be updated prior to the next Assembly and be kept up to date so that everyone is working from the most current version.