Northwest Territories.

• Author: Bennett, Gail
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Legislative Assembly, building on the success of the 2010 Elders Parliament, was pleased to host the second Elders Parliament from May 7-10, 2012. Speaker Jackie Jacobson invited respected elders throughout the territory to apply to participate in the event. One elder was chosen from each of the nineteen constituencies. The participants came to the capital, met with their MLAs, chose a Premier and Cabinet from among themselves, and then worked with Legislative Assembly staff to prepare for a model parliament. Jane Groenewegen, Deputy Speaker and Member for Hay River South, presided over the deliberations in the House, noting the enthusiasm and hard work of the elders who took part. The program allows elders to get a first-hand view of consensus government and how it works, and provides an opportunity for elders to voice their concerns in a public forum. The elders put forward and debated motions that supported care and respect for all elders, proposed changes to public housing rent scales, and recommended the establishment of an Elders Ombudsman. Elders Parliament is held every two years, alternating with the longstanding and equally successful Youth Parliament.

Convening of the Legislative Assembly

The Third Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly convened on May 23, 2012. With the prior consent of the full Caucus, this opening included a new item titled "Commissioner's Opening Address." Unlike the customary ceremonial welcome offered in the past, and similar to the "Speech from the Throne" in other jurisdictions, the address was a formal declaration of the reason for summoning the Assembly, and adopted the practice of laying out the Government's agenda for the coming months, the Government's view of the state of the territory and proposed legislation for the Session. The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, George Tuccaro, delivered the address.

The highlight of the sitting was the consideration and passage of the first full budget of the 17t" Legislative Assembly. Four supplementary appropriation bills were also adopted, as well as minor amendments to the Student Financial Assistance Act and the Human Rights Act. In the final days of the sitting the following legislation was introduced and referred to the Standing Committee on Social Programs for consideration:

* Bill 2-17(3): Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act;

* Bill 5-17(3): Legal Aid Act;

* Bill 7-17(3): An Act to Amend the Judicature Act; and

* Bill 8-17(3): An Act...