Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Chair. Recommendations 14 and 15 are about the Members of the Legislative Assembly's pension plans. I move that this Assembly recommends that a reciprocal agreement with other registered pension plans, including Public Service Superannuation and Northern Employee Benefits Services, NEBS, be negotiated so pension amounts can be transferred. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, I support this motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This recommendation is related to the last, and I support it.

Madam Chair, Members' constituency expense allowances are increased annually by the Canadian consumer price index. So funding available to extend this increase to constituency assistants already exists and it is at the discretion of the Member. I recommend that this recommendation be defeated. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Recommendation 13 looks to replace the current child care travel allowance with a family responsibility allowance. I move that this Assembly recommends that an amount of $2,000 per year be paid to all MLAs with dependent children regardless of the number of dependent children they have. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, I support this motion. I understand that the Legislative Assembly has started a major overhaul of its website. A redesign project will help improve users experience through an easier searchable platform, navigation, and enhanced administrative capabilities. This will allow the public to have easier access to detailed and accurate information about their MLA's compensation and benefits. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Recommendations 4 and 5 relate to the establishment of a professional development fund for sitting MLAs. I move that this Assembly recommends the establishment of a fund of $30,000 annually, $120,000 for the Assembly, that MLAs can apply to for ongoing professional development.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Legislative Assembly's current constituency assistant hourly rates range from $25 to $46 per hour. The average is approximately $35 per hour. No one is below $25 per hour. Members prefer to have some flexibility in terms of how they manage and compensate their constituency assistant so I recommend that this motion be defeated. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the basic allowance for maintaining a second home in Yellowknife should be reviewed annually by the Board of Management to ensure it remains in line with the current rental market. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, along the same lines as the previous recommendation, I support this motion.