Debates of March 6, 2026 (day 90)

March
6
2026
Session
20th Assembly, 1st Session
Day
90
Speaker
Shane Thompson
Word PDF
Members Present
Hon. Caitlin Cleveland, Mr. Edjericon, Mr. Hawkins, Hon. Lucy Kuptana, Hon. Jay MacDonald, Hon. Vince McKay, Mr. McNeely, Ms. Morgan, Mr. Morse, Mr. Nerysoo, Ms. Reid, Mr. Rodgers, Hon. Lesa Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong, Mrs. Yakeleya
Assembly Members
Topics
Bill 34: Trespass to Property Act, Carried
Bill 46: Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act, Carried
Member's Statement 983-20(1): International Women's Day
Member's Statement 984-20(1): Thank You to Support System
Member's Statement 985-20(1): Daylight Savings Time
Member's Statement 986-20(1): International Women's Day
Member's Statement 987-20(1): Celebrations in march
Member's Statement 988-20(1): Jamboree Season
Member's Statement 989-20(1): Spring Carnival Season
Member's Statement 990-20(1): Readiness for Opportunities for the Northwest Territories
Member's Statement 991-20(1): International Women's Day
Member's Statement 992-20(1): Private Members Bills
Member's Statement 993-20(1): Consensus Government
Member's Statement 994-20(1): Reflections
Member's Statement 995-20(1): International Women's Day
Member's Statement 996-20(1): Arctic Winter Games
Minister's Statement 199-20(1): International Women's Day 2026
Minister's Statement 200-20(1): Road Safety and the Drive Safe Campaign
Motion 78-20(1): Extended Adjournment of the House to May 27, 2026, Carried
Question 1183-20(1): Supports for Children with Disabilities
Question 1184-20(1): Expanding Workers' Safety and Compensation Coverage for First Responders
Question 1185-20(1): Economic Readiness and Opportunities
Question 1186-20(1): Francophone Employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories
Question 1187-20(1): Expanding Workers' Safety and Compensation Coverage for First Responders
Question 1188-20(1): Services to Francophone Residents
Question 1189-20(1): Cemetery Legislation
Question 1190-20(1): Aurora College Mandate Agreement and implementation Plan
Question 1191-20(1): Waters Act Amendments
Question 1192-20(1): Capacity Levels of General Practitioners in yellowknife
Question 1193-20(1): Process for Development of Regulations under the Mineral Resources Act
Question 1194-20(1): Status Update on Missing and Murdered Women and Girls Advisory Committee
Question 1195-20(1): Progress on Bridge Replacements in the Sathu
Question 1196-20(1): Dental Review Officer
Question 1197-20(1): Daylight Savings Time
Question 1198-20(1): Response to 10-Year Report on Health Information Act / Strengthening the Health Information Act
Recorded Vote
Tabled Document 494-20(1): United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan Report March 2026
Tabled Document 495-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Summary of Commitments to Enhance the 2026-2027 Main Estimates
Tabled Document 497-20(1): Statement of Consistency for Bill 46-20(1): Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act
Tabled Document 498-20(1): Updated Guiding Principles and Process Conventions of Consensus Government
Written Question 35-20(1): Cost of Living
Written Question 36-20(1): Senior Envoy
Written Question 37-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Fiber Optic Line
Statements

Bill 46: Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act, Carried

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,.

I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, that Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act, be read for a second time.

I am pleased to introduce the second reading of Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act. This is a bill to encourage people to express themselves on matters of public interest and to promote free and open debate on those matters. Another word for this type of legislation is anti-SLAPP legislation. A SLAPP is a strategic lawsuit against public participation. SLAPPs are lawsuits used to delay or silence individuals who speak out on matters of public interest.

The bill offers protection to people being sued in court for expressing themselves on matters of public interest. The purpose is to protect innocent people from being bullied or gagged by lawsuits just for speaking their mind. This type of legislation exists in many jurisdictions across Canada. This House adopted a motion to develop this type of legislation back in the 18th Assembly.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important and long overdue bill through the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from the Mackenzie Delta. To the motion.

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBERS

Question.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is moved to committee.

---Carried