Northwest Territories.

• Date: 22 September 2021
• Author: Rutland, Glen

Session

The Second Session of the 19th Legislative Assembly resumed on May 27, 2021, as scheduled, after the previous sitting was adjourned on March 31, 2021. The Assembly sat until June 4, 2021, and remains adjourned until October 14, 2021.

The session was conducted in a manner that respected the Chief Public Health Officer's (CPHO) orders while ensuring essential government and legislative functions were able to continue. Restrictions set in May 2020 remained in place to ensure the safety of Members and staff, including modifications to seating arrangements in the Chamber, daily temperature checks, and increased sanitization measures.

Regular Members held two theme days in regard to the Government's response to CO VID-19 and Housing, respectively. The Territory experienced historic flooding in the Dehcho Region that displaced many residents; this was also a primary topic among Members.

Three motions were moved during this sitting. Motion 35-19(2) and 36-19(2) were moved to establish the Territorial Electoral Boundaries Commission, tasked with reviewing the area, boundaries, name, and representation of the existing electoral districts. Motion 37-19(2) was moved calling the Government to establish a Northwest Territories Food Security Strategy.

On the final day of the sitting, the long-standing member for Monfwi tendered his resignation in the house. The member, Jackson Lafferty, was the longest-serving member of the current Assembly, serving since...