Legislative Reports

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Northwest Territories

The final sitting of the 19^th Legislative Assembly was scheduled to convene on August 16, 2023; however, due to the scale of wildfires across the NWT and the territorial state of emergency, Speaker Frederick Blake Jr. postponed the sitting.

On August 28, 2023, the Speaker convened a remote hybrid sitting based in Inuvik, NWT. To ensure efficient operation of the House, the Speaker introduced special Orders of the Day according to the authority under the Modification to Rules for Remote Sittings. This was the largest hybrid sitting that the NWT has ever held with only three of 19 MLAs attending in person. In addition, this was the first time the NWT Legislative Assembly sat outside of Yellowknife since 1989.

This one-day sitting was convened to delay the polling day for the general election as over 60 per cent of the territory was evacuated from their communities, and to approve the required funds to manage the active forest fires across the territory. Bill 97: An Act to Postpone Polling Day for the 2023 Election was passed by unanimous consent to delay polling day for the 2023 general election from October 3 to November 14. Members also approved a Supplementary Estimate (Operations Expense) No. 2, 2023-2024 to provide $75 million to address the shortfall within the fire suppression.

In this sitting, a Private Member’s Bill and a motion for emergency debate were advanced by the Member for Monfwi. These legislative items called upon the Government to ensure that Indigenous Governments were more involved in the response to end the current wildfire emergency. Members voted unanimously to advance Bill 98: An Act to Amend the Emergency Management Act to second reading at which time it was referred to Standing Committee for review.

The final sitting of the 19^th Legislative Assembly convened on September 27 and ended October 6, 2023. The session began with opening prayer song by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

Calling awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The NWT Legislative Assembly held a public gathering on October 4 to unveil a locally manufactured steel monument that rests in front of the Legislative Assembly. The monument was a project identified by the Board of Management of the NWT Legislative Assembly in response to the calls for justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The monument is complete with a fire pit and benches to allow the public and families space to gather in honour of Murdered and Missing Indigenous people.

The final sitting of the Assembly advanced many Bills to assent. Some of the Bills of note are below.

Legislation

Bill 74: Forest Act, marked a unique step for the NWT Legislative Assembly. Bill 74 is the first bill that has been advanced under the Process Convention: Introduction, Consideration and Enactment of Bills Drafted Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol (the Process Convention) approved by the NWT Legislative Assembly on March 6, 2023. (This protocol can be read at: NWT Legislative Assembly, Tabled Documents, https://www.ntassembly.ca/sites/ assembly/files/td_885-192_process_convention-bills_ pursuant_to_intergovernmental_council_legislative_ development.pdf).

The Process Convention is the only convention of its kind in Canada that outlines a process for legislative assemblies to collaborate with Indigenous governments on the introduction, consideration and enactment of legislation and regulations with respect of lands and resources.

While the collaborative drafting of Bill 74 followed the Intergovernmental Council on Land and Resource Management: Legislative Development protocol, the Process Convention allowed for the Standing Committee to collaborate directly with Indigenous Governments on their review of the Bill. (This protocol can be read at: https://www.eia.gov.nt.ca/sites/eia/files/legislative_ development_protocol-final.pdf).

The Standing Committee and Indigenous Governments came to consensus on several motions to amend the Bill 74 at the clause-by-clause review.

 Indigenous Governments were also recognized as sponsors of the Bill and seated inside the Chamber in Committee of the Whole during clause-by-clause review of Bill 74.

Bill 85: United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, (UNDRIP) follows the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The NWT is the third jurisdiction in Canada after the federal government and British Columbia to enact UNDRIP legislation. The Bill was developed in partnership between the GNWT and Indigenous Governments or Organizations through a working group of officials. The Bill is also linked to a separate Memorandum of Understanding that lays out a collaborative approach to implement the UNDRIP in the NWT. Bill 85 affirms the declaration applies in the NWT and ensures that the GNWT will take all reasonable measures to be consistent with UNDRIP in law and the interpretation and application of law.

Bill 80: Dental Hygienists Profession Statute Amendment Act, is a Private Member’s Bill advanced from the MLA Kam Lake. Bill 80 now provides a choice to NWT dental hygienists to remain under the liability of a dentist (as legislation currently provides) or to work independently. During Committee of the Whole review of Bill 80, the Minister of Health and Social Services moved a motion to amend the Bill’s dates for implementation of regulations; however, the motion was defeated and Bill 80 received third reading and Assent as reported from the Standing Committee on Social Development after their review of the bill.

Other Bills that proceeded to assent:

• Bill 65: Builders’ Lien Act
• Bill 77: Nursing Professions Act
• Bill 78: Waste Reduction and Resource Recovery Act
• Bill 81: An Act to Amend the Education Act, No.2
• Bill 82: Legal Professions Act
• Bill 83: Liquor Act
• Bill 84: An Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation Act
• Bill 92: An Act to Amend the Petroleum Products and Carbon Tax Act, No. 3
• Bill 93: Practice of Engineering and Geoscience and Applied Science Technology Act
• Bill 94: Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act
• Bill 100: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures) 2024-2025
• Bill 101: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures and Borrowing Authorization), No. 2, 2023-2024

Budgets

The Assembly passed the final budgets for the 19th Assembly.

The Members reviewed and approved the Capital Estimates, 2024-2025, which provide $361 million in expenditures to support and continue infrastructure investment. Some highlights of the budget include $94.2 million for roads, bridges, and culverts, $73 million to support community government’s infrastructure needs, $55 million towards long-term care facilities, and $26.2 for renewable energy.

The Members also reviewed and approved a final Supplementary Estimate Operational Expenditures, No.3 (Operations Expenditure and Borrowing Authorization), which increased short-term borrowing authorization limit of $120 million.

Dissolution

A motion was passed to dissolve the 19th Assembly on October 15, 2023, and to permit a polling day for a general election to be held on November 14, 2023. The end of the 19th Legislative Assembly was celebrated with a drum dance hosted by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation drummers.

Amy Lizotte

Manager of Committees and Clerk of Journals

Saskatchewan

By-election results

By-elections were held for the constituencies of Lumsden-Morse, Regina Walsh Acres, and Regina Coronation Park on August 10, 2023, to fill three vacant seats. Blaine McLeod, the Saskatchewan Party candidate, won the seat for Lumsden-Morse, while Jared Clarke and Noor Burki, both candidates for the New Democratic Party, won the seats for Regina Walsh Acres and Regina Coronation Park respectively. Previously, all three seats were held by the Saskatchewan Party.

Following the return of the writs of election on September 5, 2023, the new Members were sworn in during two separate ceremonies in the Chamber. Once the new Members have taken their seats, the composition of the Assembly will be 46 Saskatchewan Party Members, 14 New Democratic Party Members, and one independent Member.

Cabinet shuffle

On August 29, 2023, Premier Scott Moe announced several changes to his cabinet.

Six cabinet ministers switched portfolios:

• Dustin Duncan became the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Incorporated, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Telecommunications, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Corporation, and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
• Christine Tell became the Minister of Environment;
• Paul Merriman became the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Firearms Secretariat;
• Lori Carr became the Minister of Highways;
• Everett Hindley became the Minister of Health; and
• Jeremy Cockrill became the Minister of Education.

Seven cabinet ministers retained their current portfolios:

• Donna Harpauer remains the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance;
• Jim Reiter remains the Minister of Energy and Resources;
• Gordon Wyant remains the Minister of Advanced Education;
• Jeremy Harrison remains the Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, Minister Responsible for Innovation, and Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan;
• Bronwyn Eyre remains the Minister of Justice and Attorney General;
• Gene Makowsky remains the Minister of Social Services; and
• Laura Ross remains the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport; Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; and Minister Responsible for the Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation.

Two cabinet ministers retained their existing portfolios while also taking on additional responsibilities:

• David Marit remains the Minister of Agriculture and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, and also becomes the Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency; and
• Don McMorris remains the Minister of Government Relations; Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs; and Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission. He also becomes the Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board.

Tim McLeod has entered cabinet for the first time as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health, while Joe Hargrave re-entered cabinet as Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Minister Responsible for the Global Transportation Hub Authority. Mr. Hargrave was serving as Deputy Speaker at the time of his appointment.

Two Members who recently announced they will not be seeking re-election in 2024—Don Morgan and Dana Skoropad—left cabinet. However, Don Morgan has been appointed to the role of Provincial Secretary.

Premier Moe also appointed nine legislative secretaries:

• Terry Dennis as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Trade and Export Development (Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations);
• Alana Ross as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Health;
• Daryl Harrison as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Resources;
• Jim Lemaigre as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Government Relations;
• Terry Jenson as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Immigration and Career Training;
• Travis Keisig as Legislative Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Crown Investments Corporation;
• Warren Kaeding as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Environment;
• Muhammad Fiaz as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Education; and
• Lisa Lambert as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Election of Deputy Speaker

Rule 45(3) of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan stipulates that Ministers of the Crown are not eligible to serve as Deputy Speaker. As Mr. Hargrove, former Deputy Speaker, was appointed Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Minister Responsible for the Global Transportation Hub Authority on August 29, 2023, the Legislative Assembly is required to elect a new Deputy Speaker to replace him. In accordance with the rules, the election will take place on Orders of the Day on the day that the Assembly is recalled.

Resumption of the third session of the twenty-ninth legislature

On September 28, 2023, Speaker Randy Weekes recalled the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to meet on October 10, 2023 at the request of the government. Notably, the sitting is not a new session but rather a resumption of the third session of the twenty-ninth legislature. The purpose of the sitting will be to introduce a “Parent’s Bill of Rights.”

CPA Canadian Regional Conference held in Saskatchewan

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Canada Regional Conference was held in Regina from July 22 to 24, 2023. Following steering committee meetings on July 23, the CWP met on July 24 for a series of business sessions on topics including:

• Inspiring leadership;
• Inspiring tools and supports for women (interested in seeking elected position);
• Inspiring women by example; and
• Inspiring the future.

This event was immediately followed by the 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Canadian Regional Conference, which was held in Regina from July 24 to 29, 2023, hosted by Speaker Weekes with the assistance of the Legislative Assembly Service. Speakers, Clerks, and Members attended from across the country, along with representatives from CPA headquarters in London.

Throughout the week, business sessions were held on a wide variety of topics, including but not limited to:

• Between freedom of expression and cyber- violence: the use of social networks and the effects on political engagement;
• Women in the economy;
• Members’ orientations: what works?;
• Debate and decorum: staying above the political fray; and
• Harassment in the workplace.

The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan would like to express its thanks to all delegates who attended the conference.

Miranda Gudereit

Procedural Clerk

Nova Scotia

When the 64^th General Assembly meets on October 12, 2023, to commence the Fall legislative sitting, it will welcome one newly-elected Member, who is also one of three new Ministers appointed to the Executive Council.

By-Election in Preston on August 8, 2023

Further to our last report in Vol. 46, No. 3, Elections Nova Scotia conducted the first by-election of the 64^th General Assembly on August 8, in the district of Preston. Of the 11,195 registered voters, 38.79 per cent turned out to cast their votes. Twila Grosse, the Progressive Conservative candidate, was declared elected after receiving 45.22 per cent of the valid votes. Across the 29 polls, the final count for each candidate was as follows:

• Anthony Edmonds (Green Party of Nova Scotia) – 101

• Twila Grosse (Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia) –1,950
• Colter (C. C.) Simmonds (Nova Scotia New Democratic Party) – 1,145
• Carlo Simmons (Nova Scotia Liberal Party) – 1,021
• Bobby Taylor (Nova Scotians United Party) – 95

Judicial Review of Chief Electoral Officer’s Removal and Cease Order

Although there was no application for a judicial recount of the votes cast in the by-election, there is an application for judicial review surrounding the campaign process. Specifically, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party is seeking judicial review of an order issued by CEO Dorothy Rice on August 1, one week prior to election day.

On August 1, CEO Rice ordered the party and their candidate “to remove all signs and cease distributing any campaign materials facts involving a proposed C&D processing facility [Construction and Demolition Debris Disposal Site] in the Preston community.” Citing a potential offence under s. 307 of the Elections Act, Elections Nova Scotia then opted to engage the services of the RCMP to launch a formal investigation.

The offence provision at issue in the judicial review stipulates:

False statement respecting candidate: Every person is guilty of an offence who, during an election, knowingly makes, distributes or publishes a false statement of fact about a candidate’s character or conduct for the purpose of influencing the election. 2011, c. 5, s. 307.

On September 8, Elections Nova Scotia released a statement announcing that it has abandoned the decision to pursue a formal investigation, and that it will not take any further action against the Liberal Party and its former candidate. Elections Nova Scotia also announced that CEO Rice will recommend legislative changes on campaign advertising when she submits her upcoming mandatory report to the House of Assembly.

Three New Ministers Appointed to Executive Council of Nova Scotia

On September 14, his Honour the Lieutenant Governor swore in three new Members of his Majesty’s Executive Council for Nova Scotia.

The new Member for Preston, MLA Grosse, is now the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed as a Minister of Executive Council. Minister Grosse bears responsibility for two separate portfolios: African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Public Service Commission. The former Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, Patrick Dunn, has departed cabinet because he does not plan to stand for re-election in his district of Pictou Centre. MLA Dunn’s other previous portfolio of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage has been assigned to the Member for Inverness (Allan MacMaster), on top of his roles as Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Labour Relations, and Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

The Member for Eastern Shore, Kent Smith, has taken on the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture from Steve Craig (Sackville-Cobequid). Craig has also left cabinet because he will not be re-offering in the next general election.

The current Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, Barbara Adams (Eastern Passage), has also been tasked with a new office: Military Relations.

The Member for Richmond, Trevor Boudreau, has replaced Karla MacFarlane (Pictou West) as Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for L’Nu Affairs. The current Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Jill Balser (Digby-Annapolis) also assumes Minister MacFarlane’s other prior post as the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Upcoming Speaker’s Election

Minister MacFarlane remains in Executive Council without portfolio, pending the resignation of current Speaker of the House of Assembly, Keith Bain. At the last House of Assembly Management Commission meeting held on September 27, Speaker Bain confirmed he intends to resign when the House convenes for the first day of the Fall sitting. Minister MacFarlane has also publicly acknowledged that she intends to accept a forthcoming nomination from the Premier for the Speakership.

Cara Locke

Assistand Clerk

House of Commons

This account covers key highlights of the period from July to early October 2023. Having been adjourned since June 21, the House resumed sitting on September 18, 2023.

Election of Speaker and appointment of Interim Speaker of the House of Commons

By unanimous consent, Louis Plamondon (Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel), Dean of the House, was appointed Interim Speaker following the resignation of Speaker Anthony Rota (Nipissing—Timiskaming) on September 27, 2023. This appointment was proposed to enable the House to continue sitting while preparations were made for the election of a new Speaker.

The election of the Speaker of the House of Commons is governed by a provision of the Constitution Act, 1867. Since the House had never before faced a situation requiring the appointment of an interim Speaker, this temporary position was a historic precedent for it. Mr. Plamondon has sat in the House since 1984, so he is its most senior member, having served for 39 years. His term as Interim Speaker lasted from September 28, 2023, to October 3, 2023, making him the shortest- serving Speaker of the House (five days).

Pursuant to the order adopted on September 26, 2023, the House proceeded with the election of a new Speaker on October 3, 2023. Seven Members stood as candidates: Sean Casey (Charlottetown), Chris d’Entremont (West Nova), Greg Fergus (Hull— Aylmer), Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin— Kapuskasing), Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands), Alexandra Mendès (Brossard—Saint-Lambert) and Peter Schiefke (Vaudreuil—Soulanges). The Interim Speaker presided over the election. Each candidate made a speech, and Members voted by secret ballot.

The Interim Speaker announced that Greg Fergus had been elected the 39th Speaker of the House of Commons. After being escorted to the chair by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau (Papineau), and the Leader of the Opposition, Pierre Poilievre (Carleton), the new Speaker thanked the House for the honour it had bestowed on him. The Prime Minister and representatives of the various parties rose to congratulate the Speaker.

The sitting was suspended to allow the new Speaker to present himself to the Senate. Unlike after the election of the Speaker that takes place at the opening of a Parliament, no Speech from the Throne was made. Speaker Fergus visited the Senate in order to receive an acknowledgement from the Governor General.

Bills

Adoption of bill at all stages

On September 18, 2023, Raquel Dancho (Kildonan— St. Paul) sought and obtained unanimous consent to adopt a motion ordering that Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole, deemed considered in Committee of the Whole, deemed reported without amendment, deemed concurred in at the report stage and deemed read a third time and passed.

Procedure/Privilege

Question of privilege: Alleged misleading response to Order Paper question

On October 5, 2023, Michelle Rempel Garner (Calgary Nose Hill) rose on a question of privilege regarding a government response to written question no. 1417, which was standing on the Order Paper in the name of Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L’Érable). The purpose of the question was to ascertain the expenditures related to the Prime Minister’s trip to Montana in April 2023. The Chair took the matter under advisement.

Changes to Standing Orders: Parliamentary calendar and broadcasting of committee proceedings

On September 18, 2023, two motions were moved and adopted by the House by unanimous consent. The first motion amended Standing Order 28(1) to add a provision allowing the House not to sit the Monday following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. As a result, the House did not sit on Monday, October 2, 2023.

The second motion concerned the broadcasting of committee proceedings. It provided that up to seven committee meetings can be televised or webcast simultaneously provided that no more than two of the meetings are televised. The former practice allowed for a maximum of six simultaneous meetings.

Statements by ministers

On September 18, 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau, made a statement regarding credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Poilievre, Alain Therrien (La Prairie) and Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South) also made statements on this matter.

That same day, the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge (Brome—Missisquoi) made a statement paying tribute to the late Monique Begin, who was elected in 1972 as one of the first three women Members of Parliament from Quebec. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent), Andréanne Larouche (Shefford) and Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) also gave tributes.

Take-note debate

On September 19, 2023, further to the Prime Minister’s statement, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North), sought and obtained unanimous consent to hold a take-note debate on the allegations against India regarding the killing of a Canadian citizen.

Committees

On September 21, 2023, the Standing Committee on Finance began pre-budget consultations on the 2024 budget. The Committee traveled to Eastern Canada from October 10 to 13, 2023, to hold public hearings.

Private Members’ Business

On September 21, 2023, Ryan Williams (Bay of Quinte) raised a point of order regarding the introduction of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act. He alleged that it is similar to Bill C-339, An Act to amend the Competition Act, which was already standing in the order of precedence in his name. Bill C-339 was read a first time on June 8, 2023, and second reading was scheduled for November 21.

In the meantime, Bill C-56, whose provisions Mr. Williams claimed are similar, was introduced on September 21, 2023, and second reading was ongoing on October 3, 2023. Mr. Williams pointed to the rule of anticipation, which bars anticipating a matter standing on the Order Paper. Accordingly, he asked the Speaker to assure him that he could replace his bill with another bill of his choosing pursuant to Standing Order 92.1(2) or 94(1)(a) if Bill C-56 passes before Bill C-339.

On September 25, 2023, Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North) rose to address this point of order. He remarked that the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House of Affairs will examine whether items recently added to the order of precedence are votable, including Mr. Williams’s bill. Mr. Lamoureux submitted that the House should wait for these committees to consider and report on the matter before taking it up.

Other matters

Address by President of Ukraine

On September 21, the House agreed by unanimous consent to adjourn on September 22, for an address by the President of Ukraine to the Members of the Senate and House of Commons. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an address, which is printed as an appendix to the Debates of September 21, 2023.

Moment of silence

On September 21, 2023, the House observed a moment of silence in memory of the four firefighters who lost their lives in forest fires near Walhachin, British Columbia.

Members

On September 18, 2023, the Speaker informed the House of a vacancy in the riding of Durham, caused by the resignation of Erin O’Toole on August 2, 2023.

After Statements by Members, the Speaker announced that the Clerk of the House had received from the Chief Electoral Officer the certificates of election for five new Members. Ben Carr (Winnipeg South Centre), Anna Gainey (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce— Westmount), Arpan Khanna (Oxford), Branden Leslie (Portage—Lisgar) and Shuvaloy Majumdar (Calgary Heritage) entered the House and took their respective seats.

On July 26, 2023, a major cabinet shuffle took place. While some ministers retained their portfolios, many assumed new roles.

Changes to House of Commons Administration

On October 13, 2023, Michel Patrice, Deputy Clerk, Administration, retired. He had held that position since 2017. On October 5, 2023, the Speaker made a statement following Oral Questions to mark Mr. Patrice’s retirement.

Catherine Ngando Edimo

Table Research Branch

Prince Edward Island

First Session, Sixty-seventh General Assembly

The Legislative Assembly will resume sitting on November 7, 2023. It last sat on June 21. Unless a prorogation is announced in the interim, the fall sitting will be a continuation of the First Session of the Sixty- seventh General Assembly, which began on May 12.

House Business

In terms of business carried over from the spring sitting, there remain seven Government Bills, three Private Members’ Bills, and 29 motions available for debate. Government typically presents its capital budget during the fall sitting.

New Leader of the Third Party

On July 21, Karla Bernard (District 12, Charlottetown – Victoria Park) became the interim leader of the Green Party and the Leader of the Third Party in the Legislature. She took on these roles after former leader Peter Bevan-Baker (District 17, New Haven – Rocky Point) announced his intention to step down as party leader, while continuing to serve as an MLA. Ms. Bernard was originally elected in 2019 and previously served as Third Party House Leader.

Ryan Reddin

Director of Parliamentary Research

Alberta

First Session of the 31st Legislature

The Speech from the Throne, signaling the start of the First Session of the 31st Legislature, is scheduled to occur on October 30. Currently, the anticipated caucus composition of the Assembly is 48 seats for the United Conservative Party, 38 seats for the New Democratic Party, and one independent Member.

Parliamentary Visit

On July 11 and 12 the Legislative Assembly of Alberta was honoured to receive delegates from Mpumalanga, South Africa, as part of a study tour focused on economic development opportunities including agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and transportation. Speaker Nathan Cooper opened the program by providing an overview of the Assembly and its committees and later hosted a luncheon for the group. The second day of the program included a session on rules for Members’ ethical conduct with Josh de Groot, Lobbyist Registrar and General Counsel, Office of the Ethics Commissioner. In addition, a luncheon was hosted by Glenn van Dijken, MLA, Deputy Chair of Committees, and the group met with officials from Alberta Health and from Public Safety and Emergency Services.

40 Years of Nonpartisan Service

This year the Legislative Assembly Office (LAO) is celebrating 40 years of providing nonpartisan support to Members of the Legislative Assembly. When the Assembly sat for the first time in 1906, it passed the Public Service Act. Among other things, the Act provided for the appointment of a Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and for “offices of the Legislative Assembly,” which were staffed, like Government departments, by officials who were appointed by and served at the pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The role of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and the services offered to Members evolved over time, but it was not until the passage of the Legislative Assembly Act, which received Royal Assent on June 6, 1983, that the independent office was created. From its inception the LAO provided many of the services that Members continue to rely on today. The organizational chart published in the LAO’s 1987 annual report includes the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, House and Committee Services, Information and Research Services, Legal Services, Ceremonial and Security Services, Reporting Services, Personnel Services, and Administrative Services.

In 1989, the Information Systems Services branch was officially established to provide “office automation services” to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. The branch initiated a program of constituency office computerization while also providing support to other branches of the LAO, including transitioning the Hansard operations over to networked microcomputer technology.

In 1994, the personnel branch transitioned to a full- service Human Resource department as it moved beyond standard recruitment and payroll services to providing a broad range of employment services. In addition, the functions of the administration branch were separated into two distinct areas: finance and accounting services, and general administrative services. That summer also saw the official opening of the original Legislative Assembly Interpretive Centre and Gift Shop.

In 2015, after 32 years of operating out of the Legislature Annex Building, the LAO moved to the newly renovated Edmonton Federal Building (now the Queen Elizabeth II Building). In addition to new office space, the LAO also took on responsibility for managing four broadcast capable committee rooms and meeting facilities as well as several new visitor facilities, including multipurpose event spaces.

Beginning in 2020, the LAO rapidly adjusted its services in response to the challenges of the global health crisis. The LAO modified its operations to support remote work, videoconferencing, and physical distancing for those participating on-site. On April 27 of that year, Alberta became one of the country’s first jurisdictions to hold virtual committee meetings, with Members and guests participating remotely through videoconference. That summer the LAO began to live stream all official events such as the Black History Month celebration and the service of remembrance on social media. Public education and outreach programs also transitioned to accommodate remote participation by students and the public, and in September 2021 Alberta was able to host the national CCPAC-CCOLA Conference on a virtual platform.

In 2023 as the final session of the 30th Legislature wrapped up, Speaker Cooper acknowledged the work of staff and the 40th anniversary of the LAO stating: “Following the 2019 election, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the challenges that would arise in the coming four years. Through it all, the Legislative Assembly Office staff helped to ensure parliamentary continuity as we faced so much uncertainty.”

A Great Place to Work

In addition to turning 40, the LAO celebrated another milestone this year as it earned the Great Place to Work® certification for 2023 following a 12 per cent improvement over last year’s Trust Index score. On September 28, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Shannon Dean, announced the achievement and stated: “We will use the results from this year’s survey to reaffirm or refocus our culture commitments and continue to enhance the LAO workplace culture to ensure we all are supported and engaged in delivering on our organizational priorities in the future.”

Technology Upgrades

Over the summer, the sound system in the Chamber was upgraded to improve the experience for both broadcast viewers and those attending proceedings in person. The upgrade to a digital audio system from an analog system significantly reduced the amount of equipment and wiring required while also improving sound quality. The upgrade of the system also allowed it to advance from partial backup capabilities to having full redundancy in case of a failure. Custom programming for the control system was also updated to provide seamless integration with the new audio system.

Video walls and large display upgrades have been installed in the committee rooms, and portable screens are now available for hospitality spaces. Compared to the previous projector system, the ambient noise in the rooms is significantly lower and the images are easier to see due to the increased brightness and contrast. To provide additional assistance with various kinds of meetings, the custom timers used in committee rooms have had additional options added, including the addition of a third timer, the ability to label timers, and updated graphics to display the names of remote participants.

Jody Rempel

Committee Clerk

British Columbia

Summer Recess

As noted in the previous edition, the Legislative Assembly adjourned on May 11, 2023, for its summer recess. The Legislative Assembly is expected to resume on October 3, 2023, for a 7-week fall sitting period.

Party Standings

Following provincial by-elections held on June 24, 2023, NDP candidates Ravi Parmar and Joan Phillip were elected in Langford-Juan de Fuca and Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, respectively. On July 28, 2023, an oath ceremony for the two new Members took place in the Legislative Chamber. At age 28, Mr. Parmar will be the youngest sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly, and one of the youngest in BC’s history. Joan Phillip became the third Indigenous woman ever elected to the Legislative Assembly and is one of three sitting Indigenous Members.

On September 13, 2023, Bruce Banman, MLA for Abbotsford South, left the BC United Caucus to join the Conservative Party of British Columbia, bringing the number of Members affiliated with that party to two. As a result, the Conservative Party Caucus received official party status in the Legislative Assembly; a 2017 amendment to the provincial Constitution Act lowered the threshold from four seats to two. The Conservative Party Caucus becomes the Fourth Party, a first in the history of the province since the concept of an official party was added to the provincial Constitution Act in 1979. Mr. Banman was subsequently appointed as the House Leader of that caucus.

On September 17, 2023, Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum was removed from the BC NDP Caucus and now sits as an independent Member.

As of September 30, 2023, party standings in British Columbia are 56 BC NDP, 26 BC United, two BC Green Party, two Conservative Party of British Columbia and one independent.

Parliamentary Committees

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services released its Report on the Budget 2024 Consultation on August 3, 2023. The Committee heard from 375 presenters, visited 11 communities across the province, and received 387 written submissions. The report’s recommendations focused on improving access to health care, addressing housing affordability and the cost of living, furthering efforts to mitigate climate change, and fostering economic development.

Legislative Assembly Management Committee (LAMC)

At its July 20, 2023, meeting, LAMC adopted a new Interparliamentary Activities Framework. The framework sets out the objectives and goals for interparliamentary activities, key areas of focus, expected outcomes, and measures to ensure accountability and transparency. A new Legislative Chamber seating arrangement based on repositioning the current desks and adding six new ones was also approved to accommodate an additional six Members following the next provincial general election. This follows the Legislative Assembly’s approval, by resolution, of the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission final report which recommended increasing the number of electoral districts from 87 to 93, and subsequent enactment of a new Electoral Boundaries Act by the Legislature. The 2023-24 mandate letter for the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly was also deposited at the meeting by the Speaker. The letter outlines priorities for the Clerk, which include continuing to advance reconciliation on an organizational level and continued relationship building with Indigenous communities and leaders, developing a modernized long-term precinct plan, and continuing oversight of the Legislative Assembly’s child care services plan.

Prior to its September 22, 2023, meeting, two additional Members were appointed to LAMC driven by statutory provisions that allow all party representation and that ensure a government majority on the Committee. Mr. Banman was appointed to represent the Conservative Party Caucus, while Jinny Sims, MLA was appointed as an additional representative of the Government Caucus pursuant to membership provisions in the Legislative Assembly Management Committee Act.

At the meeting, the Committee adopted an amendment to the Leader’s Office Caucus Funding Policy to provide baseline funding for the office of the leaders of any additional caucuses to accommodate the new Fourth Party; the amended section previously established funding exclusively for the Office of the Leader of the Third Party. The funding for the offices of the leaders of any additional caucuses is set at 50 per cent of that received by the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition.

Speaker’s Reconciliation Work

Over the summer, Speaker Raj Chouhan continued to focus on initiatives aimed at promoting reconciliation between the Legislative Assembly and Indigenous peoples. Along with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Kate Ryan-Lloyd, the Speaker visited several First Nations communities where he met with leaders and community Members to engage, listen, and learn, and advance relationship- building. Visits to communities were also made on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2023) and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2023).

On September 25, 2023, an event was held on the Legislative Precinct to raise the Survivors’ Flag to honour the survivors of residential schools and remember those who did not come home. Indigenous Leaders, Members, staff, and the public were invited to attend. The flag flew in front of the Parliament Buildings throughout the week until sundown on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

43^rd Canadian Association of Sergeants-at-Arms (CASAA) Annual Conference

From August 14-18, 2023, the Legislative Assembly hosted the 43rd CASAA annual conference. The event hosted security professionals and experts from Canada as well as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Jamaica. Attendees discussed trends in the latest security practices and shared knowledge of technologies that will most effectively protect and maintain the safety of elected officials.

Summer Tours

Over the 2023 summer season, more than 118,000 visitors explored the Parliament Buildings. Of these visitors, 45,000 joined a free guided tour provided by summer tour staff, with tours offered in English, French, and several other languages. More than 3,000 visitors joined a theatrical performance provided by the Parliamentary Players, who were recently awarded a BC Heritage Award for their work. The Legislative Assembly was recognized for the third consecutive year with Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award as a top 10 per cent worldwide visitor attraction. Free and self-guided tours for the public as well as school groups continue throughout the year.

Jonathon Hamilton

Committee Researcher

Manitoba

General Election

The 43rd general election in Manitoba took place on October 3, 2023. Once the polls closed and the ballots were counted, the New Democratic Party won 34 seats in the 57 seat Legislature and accordingly Manitoba will now have a new majority government. The Progressive Conservatives retained 22 seats to become the Official Opposition, while the Liberals retained one of their previous three seats, and that Member will sit as an Independent, as four seats are required under Manitoba Rules and legislation for status as a recognized party.

A total of 25 new Members (and one returning “new” Member) will take their seats in the Manitoba Legislature when the House meets for the first time to elect a new Speaker and to hear the Speech from the Throne. Wab Kinew became Manitoba’s first First Nations’ Premier, although not the first Indigenous leader in the province. John Norquay, Premier from 1878 to 1887, was of Métis heritage as was Louis Riel who is regarded as the founder of Manitoba.

Orientation Sessions for new MLAs

Legislative Assembly staff have put in a considerable amount of work to prepare for the new Legislature, including the development of a revamped series of orientation sessions for all the new Members. The MLA Orientation booklet has been completely revised, including protocols for how Members attending virtually can fully participate in the House proceedings. Members will receive a crash course in parliamentary procedure that includes an opportunity to role play all steps that occur during Routine Proceedings and other parts of the sitting day. The complete orientation will be very comprehensive, spanning four full days and include detailed sessions with Independent Officers, former MLAs and various Assembly staff as noted below:

• Administration Branch – Human Resource Services and Financial Services
• Advocate for Children and Youth
• Auditor General
• Digital Media – Lights, Camera, Debate!
• Education Outreach Program
• Elections Manitoba
• Former MLA Panel – Voices of Experience
• Hansard – How words become a part of history
• Information Technology
• Legislative Counsel
• Legislative Library
• Lobbyist Registrar, Information and Privacy Adjudicator
• Media Panel – What does “off the record” mean?
• Members’ Allowances
• Ombudsman
• Parliamentary Procedures – How Committees work
• Parliamentary Procedures – How the House works
• Security is Everyone’s Business
• Tour of the Legislative Building

Virtual participation expected to be permanent

The Clerks have prepared a new set of Rules which would permanently incorporate provisions to enable virtual participation of Members, as the newly elected Assembly is expected to embrace that structure which was successfully incorporated in the previous Legislature. Virtual sittings were initiated on October 7, 2020, by a Sessional Order to deal with the pandemic. The Sessional Order was extended on numerous occasions due to its successful implementation. The Sessional Order was allowed to lapse upon the dissolution of the 42nd Legislature in order to allow the newly elected Assembly to decide upon it being accepted on a permanent basis.

Development of new online information Portal for MLAs and staff

All Members of the new Legislature will now have a brand-new means to stay current on a wide range of Assembly information at their fingertips. The purpose of this project is to greatly reduce the amount of information provided to Members in hard copy, shifting all this material to an online portal. Members who prefer paper would still have an opportunity to receive documentation in that form, however.

The Portal will house orientation and reference materials from across the Assembly but it will also be a place where Members will find items related to House and Committee business, such as the Order Paper, copies of Bills and their current status as well as Committee information (including presentations and written submissions). In addition, information from other departments such as Finance, Members’ Allowances, Human Resources and Security will make frequent updates available to Members. The Portal will not be a static tool and will evolve in accordance with the needs expressed by Members.

Standing Committees

Since the last submission, the Standing Committee of Legislative Affairs met on June 15, 2023, to consider the Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2022.

Retirement of Longest Serving Clerk in Manitoba History

Patricia Chaychuk officially retired as the longest serving Clerk in the history of the Manitoba Legislature on August 25, 2023. Her tenure as Clerk

marked exactly 23 years, seven months and 16 days of service since her appointment on January 10, 2000. She became the first woman Clerk in the province. The previous record for long service was held by Alfred Jean Charland Prud’Homme, who served at the Table in our Chamber from June 1, 1951, to February 15, 1973, for a total period of service of 21 years and 260 days.

Ms. Chaychuk served the Assembly for a total of 35 years. While her first day at the Table as Clerk was on April 25, 2000, she previously served as a Clerk Assistant/Clerk of Committees from 1989 to 2000. Being both the first woman Clerk and serving in this position the longest were just two of a very impressive and remarkably long list of career highlights. Ms. Chaychuk seemed destined to serve the Manitoba Legislature, as before being hired by the Assembly, she held two key roles in the Youth Parliament of Manitoba – Premier and Speaker. Later she worked as a Manitoba Legislative Intern, a program she ultimately became responsible for running for over 20 years.

Beyond those notable achievements, other accomplishments and acknowledgements include:

• Past President of the Association of Clerks-at-the- Table in Canada;
• Past President of the Canadian Study of Parliament Group;
• Past Chair of the Editorial Board of the Canadian Parliamentary Review;
• Member of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments (SOCATT), and is the Canadian Representative on the SOCATT Advisory Committee;
• Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Arts;
• Alumni Achievement Award recipient from the Youth Parliament of Manitoba;
• Trailblazer of the first 100 Years of Women of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba honouree;
• Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal recipient.

All the staff at the Assembly wish Patricia the very best in her retirement. She will be greatly missed as her commitment to the Assembly was unmatched, and her diligence and dedication in everything she has done for the Assembly is worthy of recognition, celebration, and gratitude.

Greg Recksiedler

Clerk Assistant/Research Officer

The Senate

Legislation

On September 28, the Senate received a message from the House of Commons informing it that the House had passed Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood), without amendment. At the time of writing, the bill was awaiting Royal Assent.

Chamber, Procedure and Speaker’s Rulings

On September 19, Senator Mobina Jaffer made a declaration of private interest by written declaration respecting Bill C-282, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management).

Senator Yuen Pau Woo raised a point of order with respect to the use of parliamentary terminology on September 19. In her ruling, Speaker Raymonde Gagné reminded senators of the definition of “Leader of the Opposition” found in Appendix I of the Rules of the Senate, which encompasses the definition of “Opposition.”

On September 26, Senator Woo raised a point of order regarding the relevance of debate. The Speaker pro tempore, Senator Pierrette Ringuette, delivered a ruling and reminded senators of the importance of speaking to the item being debated.

Committees

On June 28, the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, entitled Arctic Security Under Threat: Urgent needs in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape), was deposited with the Clerk of the Senate. The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples deposited its fourteenth report, entitled Honouring the Children Who Never Came Home: Truth, Education and Reconciliation, with the Clerk of the Senate on July 19.

On September 26, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs presented its sixteenth report on Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Records Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation, with amendments. At the time of writing, the report had not been adopted.

Senators

Senators Paul Prosper and Judy White, who were appointed to the Senate on July 6, 2023, were introduced on September 19, and took their seats in the Senate Chamber.

Senator Prosper, appointed to represent Nova Scotia, is a Mi’kmaq lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in Indigenous legal issues ranging from project management to First Nation land use and occupation, to governance and community development. A lifelong advocate for the rights of the Mi’kmaq people, Senator Prosper is the former Chief of the Paqtnkek (Afton) Mi’kmaw Nation. In 2020, he was elected Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) Regional Chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, representing the collective interests of 17 Mi’kmaw First Nations in the two provinces. In 2020, Senator Prosper was inducted as a member of the Bertha Wilson Honour Society at the Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law in recognition of his exceptional service to the legal profession and community.

Senator White represents Newfoundland and Labrador in the Senate. She is Mi’kmaq, a member of the Flat Bay Band, and a King’s Counsel lawyer with significant experience in human rights issues, Indigenous governance, and legislative matters. She was previously the Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and served as Director of Engagement for Distinctions- based Legislation with the Government of Canada. Senator White has worked on numerous boards and in governance, including as former Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador, Chair of the Inuvialuit Arbitration Board, and Co-Chair (Indigenous) of Equal Voice’s Newfoundland and Labrador chapter. In 2022, she  received  the  Governor  General’s  Award  in Commemoration of the Persons Case as a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality.

Senator Sarabjit Marwah resigned from the Senate on September 8. He was appointed to the Senate on November 10, 2016, on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and represented the province of Ontario. Prior to joining the Senate, he had been vice chairman and chief operating officer of Scotiabank, retiring in 2014 after 35 years with the bank where he began his career as a financial analyst. Senator Marwah served on the boards of the C.D. Howe Institute, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Hospital for Sick Children, and is a founding member of the Sikh Foundation of Canada. He served on several committees during his tenure as a senator, including the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and he was Chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration for several years.

Max Hollins

Procedural Clerk

Ontario

Fall 2023 Sitting

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario resumed its 1st Session of the 43^rd Parliament on September 25, 2023, with the beginning of the fall meeting period. The following updates describe events from July to October 2023.

Changes to Cabinet

Ministerial portfolio changes and an expansion of Premier Doug Ford’s Cabinet were announced on September 4, 2023. This update to Executive Council included the resignation of MPP Steve Clark and the appointment of two new Associate Ministers: Rob Flack and Todd J. McCarthy. Stan Cho, previously an Associate Minister, became a Minister. Paul Calandra, Caroline Mulroney, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, and Nina Tangri were appointed to new portfolios.

Later that month, MPP Kaleed Rasheed resigned from Cabinet and PC caucus, and MPP Monte McNaughton resigned from Cabinet and announced his resignation from the Legislative Assembly, effective October 6, 2023. Subsequent changes to Cabinet included ministerial portfolio reassignments for David Piccini and Mr. McCarthy, with the latter moving from an Associate Minister to Minister position. Andrea Khanjin and Vijay Thanigasalam joined Executive Council as a new Minister and Associate Minister, respectively.

Changes in Membership and allotted time for independent members

The resignation of MPP Laura Mae Lindo, Member for Kitchener Centre, came into effect on July 13, 2023, creating a new vacancy in the House. She served as a Member of Provincial Parliament from June 7, 2018, to July 13, 2023.

The resignation of Mr. McNaughton, Member for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex and former Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, came into effect on October 6, 2023, creating a second vacancy in the House. He had served as a Member of Provincial Parliament from October 6, 2011, and as a minister of various portfolios from June 29, 2018, to September 22, 2023.

By-elections for both ridings have yet to be called.

Two vacancies caused by the resignations of MPP Merrilee Fullerton and MPP Mitzie Hunter earlier this year were filled on July 27, 2023, with by-elections taking place in the ridings of Kanata—Carleton and Scarborough—Guildwood. The newly-elected Member for Kanata—Carleton, MPP Karen McCrimmon, and newly-elected Member for Scarborough—Guildwood, MPP Andrea Hazell, were introduced to the House on September 25, 2023.

The election of the two new Members increased the number of seats held by the Liberal independent Members from seven to nine – still shy of the 12-seat threshold of recognized party status, but enough to increase the total number of independent Members to 14.

On September 25, 2023, Speaker Ted Arnott announced that this change in the House’s composition warranted an adjustment to the participation time allotted to independent Members during Question Period, increasing the number of questions from an independent Member to one on Mondays and two on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Additionally, the nine Liberal independent Members now have two shared 14-minute speaking allotments during debates on Second and Third Reading of Government Bills and substantive Government motions. The Speaker continues to recognize one independent member to participate in “Members’ Statements” every day, with each individual independent Member recognized a maximum of once per 14-day period.

As of October 6, 2023, the composition of the Assembly is 79 Progressive Conservatives (the Government party), 29 New Democrats (the Official Opposition), and 14 independent members. Only the Government and Official Opposition hold recognized party status. The independent Members include nine Liberal Party Members, one Green Party member, and four Members who have no party affiliation. There are two vacant seats in the House.

Appointment of the 30^th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

On August 3, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Edith Dumont as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The Lieutenant Governor-designate will succeed Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the 29^th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario since her installation on September 23, 2014. The installation ceremony for the 30^th Lieutenant Governor will take place on November 14, 2023.

Delegation of certain responsibilities from the BOIE to the Speaker

During the summer adjournment of the House, the Board of Internal Economy (“BOIE”) delegated responsibilities related to the management of all employees of the Office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to the Speaker. Executive Director positions are the exception, as the BOIE will retain responsibility of employment-related decisions for these roles. This decision was an exercise of the BOIE’s delegation power provided by Bill 51, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Act, which passed earlier in the current session.

End of term for the 13^th Auditor General of Ontario

The 13^th Auditor General of Ontario, Bonnie Lysyk, completed her 10-year term, serving in the role from September 3, 2013 to September 3, 2023. Nick Stavropoulos became the Acting Auditor General of Ontario on September 4, 2023.

Role Changes for Clerks-at-the-Table

On September 25, 2023, Speaker Ted Arnott announced that Valerie Quioc Lim had been appointed Deputy Clerk and Executive Director of the Legislative Services Division, effective July 4, 2023. He also announced that Meghan Stenson had assumed the role of Clerk of Procedural Services, effective September 5, 2023. Additionally, effective October 11, 2023, Julia Douglas was appointed to the position of Senior Clerk – Table Research, becoming the newest Table Officer.

Committee Business

With authorization from the House to meet during the summer adjournment, five Standing Committees met the week of July 10, 2023, to consider eight Private Members’ Public Bills. The Standing Committee on the Interior travelled to Peterborough for the consideration of Bill 31, Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, while public hearings and clause-by-clause consideration of the other Bills were held at Queen’s Park. Upon the return of the House on September 25, 2023, seven of the eight Private Members’ Public Bills considered during the adjournment were reported back to the House and Ordered for Third Reading. The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts also tabled substantive reports in the House and moved adoption of their recommendations.

The policy-field committees continued consideration of the 2023-2024 Estimates of the selected Ministries during the week of September 11, 2023. All votes were carried and will be reported to the House by the third Thursday in November.

Members and Committee staff from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts attended the 44th Annual Conference of the Council of Canadian Public Accounts Committees, which was hosted in Whitehorse, Yukon from September 10 to 12, 2023. The Vice-Chair of the Committee, MPP Donna Skelly, in conjunction with the Acting Auditor General, Mr. Stavropoulos, provided the conference with a jurisdictional update on the Ontario Public Accounts Committee.

Integrity Commissioner’s Report on contravention of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994

On August 30, 2023, the Office of the Integrity Commissioner tabled a report in response to a complaint filed on December 8, 2022 by the Leader of the Official Opposition, MPP Marit Stiles, regarding whether the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Member for Leeds– Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Mr. Clark, had contravened the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994.

In this report, Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake found that sections 2 and 3(2) of the Act had been contravened and recommended that the Legislative Assembly of Ontario reprimand the then-Minister (who has since resigned from Cabinet) in accordance with the penalties outlined in Section 34 (1) of the Act. The Act requires the Assembly to consider and respond to the report within 30 days; notice of motion for the Assembly to respond to the report has been filed, but at the time of writing the House had not yet considered it.

Lesley Flores

Committee Clerk

New Brunswick

Committee Activity

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Chuck Chiasson, met with Auditor General Paul Martin in September 2023 for the release of the latest performance audit. The report was undertaken following the adoption of a motion in March of last year, introduced by then-Official Opposition Leader Roger Melanson, to review the provincial government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The Committee met with a further 10 entities in September, including an unscheduled request for the Executive Council Office to appear to address concerns raised following the latest Auditor General report.

The Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship, chaired by Ryan Cullins, continued to be active in the fall with hearings on clean energy. The Committee heard from over 20 entities, including First Nations, First Nations organizations, stakeholders, utilities, and associations, who presented in-person and virtually over five days in October.

Building Upgrades

The Legislative Assembly building received necessary maintenance over the summer break and into the fall. Four of the five broadcasting cameras located in the Chamber were upgraded to resolve reliability issues. The sole elevator was overhauled, new windows were installed on the front of the building and the roof was replaced. As well, the building intended to house the Members’ offices continued to undergo extensive renovations with an anticipated early 2024 completion date.

Condolences

Former Speaker Roy Boudreau passed away on September 29. Following a 33-year career in education, he was elected city councillor in 2001 before running provincially as a Liberal candidate, having been first elected in 2003 to represent Campbelltown. He served as Speaker from 2007 until his defeat in 2010.

Standings

The Legislature is scheduled to resume sitting on October 17. The current standings in the House are 29 Progressive Conservatives, 16 Liberals, three Greens and one Independent.

John-Patrick McCleave

Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees

Québec

Proceedings of the Assemblée nationale

Composition

On July 31, 2023, Joëlle Boutin, Member for Jean- Talon, resigned her seat in the Assemblée nationale. The by-election will take place on October 2, 2023.

In consequence, the Assemblée nationale is now composed of 124 MNAs: 89 from the Coalition avenir Québec, 19 from the Quebec Liberal Party, 12 from Québec solidaire, three from the Parti québécois and one independent.

On August 10, 2023, Michelle Setlakwe, Member for Mont-Royal–Outremont, was appointed Deputy Opposition House Leader, replacing Virginie Dufour, Member for Mille-Îles.

Legislative agenda

Between September 12 and 30, 2023, three bills were introduced in the Assemblée nationale, including one private Member’s bill. One government bill, Bill 27, An Act to amend the Taxation Act, the Act respecting the Québec sales tax and other provisions, was passed.

Electronic division

The Assemblée nationale du Québec held its first electronic division on September 12, 2023. The implementation of electronic voting is the result of an agreement signed by all parliamentary groups at the beginning of the 43rd Legislature.

The electronic division replaces the recorded division procedure, in which the Table Officers called the MNAs’ names, but it retains many of the former’s aspects. Electronic divisions are used only for the proceedings of the House; committee proceedings still use recorded divisions.

Other events

Opening of Le conseil des petits trésors drop-in daycare

On September 13, 2023, Nathalie Roy, President, inaugurated the Assemblée nationale du Québec’s drop-in daycare: Le conseil des petits trésors. This pilot project will span two sessional periods, after which it will be assessed. The results of the assessment will be used to make decisions about a permanent drop-in daycare.

2022–2023 annual report of the Assemblée nationale du Québec

On September 21, 2023, Ms. Roy, tabled the 2022–2023 annual report of the Assemblée nationale du Québec. The year 2022 was marked by the general elections held on October 3 and, in particular, by the implementation of new services to welcome parliamentarians in an effective, personalized manner.

New writing contest at the Assemblée nationale du Québec

On September 18, 2023, the Assemblée nationale du Québec launched Point-virgule, a new writing contest to promote and celebrate the French language. The contest is open to Secondary I and II students across Québec. In spring 2024, the authors of the ten best texts will be honoured at a ceremony held in the Assemblée nationale, and their texts will be published in a collection.

Committee proceedings

Consideration of bills took up most of the parliamentary committees’ time from July to September 2023.

Bills

Specifically, the Committee on Health and Social Services continued clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 15, An Act to make the health and social services system more effective. To date, the bill, which contains 1,180 sections, has been the subject of more than 100 hours of meetings for clause-by-clause consideration.

The Committee on Institutions, meanwhile, completed clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 14, An Act to amend various provisions relating to public security and to enact the Act to assist in locating missing persons, which had begun in May, during the previous sessional period. The bill not only enacts the Act to assist in locating missing persons, but it also makes various amendments relating to police ethics.

The Committee on Institutions also held two days of special consultations and public hearings on Bill 32, An Act to establish the cultural safety approach within the health and social services network. The bill clarifies that the cultural safety approach takes into account the cultural and historical realities of Indigenous persons in all interactions with them.

The Committee on Culture and Education began clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 23, An Act to amend mainly the Education Act and to enact the Act respecting the Institut national d’excellence en éducation. Note that this bill was the subject of four days of special consultations and public hearings in June 2023.

The Committee on Labour and the Economy held two days of special consultations and public hearings on Bill 29, An Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability and maintenance of goods. A single meeting was required to complete the clause-by-clause consideration of this bill, which introduces a legal warranty of good working order for certain new goods that are commonly used and enhances the legal warranty of availability of replacement parts and repair services for goods of a nature that require maintenance work.

The Committee on Planning and the Public Domain also held three days of special consultations and public hearings on Bill 31, An Act to amend various legislative provisions with respect to housing. The hearings provided an opportunity to hear 19 individuals and organizations voice their opinion on the bill, which seeks to amend certain rules concerning the repossession of a dwelling and concerning eviction.

Lastly, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment held four days of special consultations and public hearings on Bill 22, An Act respecting expropriation. The Committee received 35 briefs within the framework of these consultations, which provided an opportunity to hear 22 individuals and organizations.

General consultation

The Committee on Citizen Relations held nine days of public hearings within the framework of the general consultation on the consultation document entitled “Planning of Immigration to Québec for the 2024–2027 Period.” The hearings took place from September 12 to 28, 2023, and provided an opportunity to hear 66 individuals and organizations. Seventy-eight briefs were submitted within the framework of this general consultation, and 420 individuals expressed their views through online consultations.

Émilie Caouette

Direction de la séance et de la procédure parlementaire

Roxanne Guévin

Direction des commissions parlementaires

Yukon

2023 Fall Sitting

The 2023 Fall Sitting of the First Session of the 35th Yukon Legislative Assembly commenced on October 4 and is expected to conclude on or before November 23, the 28th sitting day.

Government bills introduced

The following government bills were introduced within the first five sitting days (the deadline for the introduction of government bills to be dealt with during the Sitting):

• Bill No. 28, Act to amend the Environment Act (2023) – Nils Clarke
• Bill No. 29, Act to amend the Elections Act (2023) – Ranj Pillai
• Bill No. 31, Fiduciaries Access to Digital Assets Act – Tracy-Anne McPhee
• Bill No. 32, Act to amend the Victims of Crime Act (2023) – MLA McPhee
• Bill No. 33, Act to amend the Registered Nurses Profession Act (2023) – Richard Mostyn
• Bill No. 34, Technical Amendments (Finance) Act (2023) – Sandy Silver
• Bill No. 210, Fourth Appropriation Act 2022-23 – MLA Silver
• Bill No. 211, Second Appropriation Act 2023-24 – MLA Silver Assent

On October 10, Commissioner Adeline Webber granted assent to Bill No. 210, Fourth Appropriation Act 2022-23, which had received third reading on October 5.

Private Members’ business

October 11, the first of the Sitting’s biweekly opposition private members’ days, saw debate on two motions.

The first motion considered was Motion No. 756, standing in the name of Official Opposition member Brad Cathers (Lake Laberge). The motion sought to have the House urge the Yukon government “to increase resources and funding to the RCMP” to facilitate the hiring of more front-line officers.

The Minister of Justice, MLA McPhee, moved an amendment to Motion No. 756 which if adopted would have changed the phrase “to increase resources” to “to continue to increase resources”. A division on the amendment resulted in a tie (7 yea, 7 nay). Speaker Jeremy Harper stated that lacking a majority, the main motion should be left in its existing form and cast his vote against the amendment. This was the first Speaker’s casting vote of the current Legislative Assembly.

Following further debate on the main motion, Motion No. 756 carried on division (14 yea, 3 nay).

The second private member’s motion considered that day was Motion No. 762. The motion, moved by Third Party MLA Annie Blake (Vuntut Gwitchin), sought to have the House urge the territorial government “to provide children and youth with comprehensive and consistent mental wellness supports and programs in every Yukon community.” Following debate, the motion carried on division (15 yea, nil nay), and the House adjourned for the day.

Sessional Orders

On October 12, John Streicker, the Government House Leader, moved three motions (Motions No. 744, 745 and 746) relating to the operation of the House in the context of COVID-19. The motions, which have effect for the duration of the Sitting, carried; in the case of Motion No. 744, with amendment.

As originally worded, Motion No. 744 sought to enable Members to participate in sittings by videoconference “due to COVID-19 symptoms, illness or protocols.” Lane Tredger (Whitehorse Centre), the Third Party House Leader, moved an amendment to the motion seeking to broaden the motion’s application so that it applied to MLAs experiencing illness, full-stop (by removing the reference to COVID-19 symptoms and protocols). Following debate, the amendment carried on division (10 yea, 7 nay). Shortly after, Motion No. 744, as amended, carried on division (also 10 yea, 7 nay).

The next motion considered was Motion No. 745, which aimed to enable the Assembly to meet virtually in certain circumstances by empowering the Government House Leader, acting together with at least one of the other House Leaders, to “request that the Legislative Assembly meet virtually by video conference, with all the Members of the Legislative Assembly being able to participate remotely,” if the Assembly stood adjourned for an indefinite period of time. Motion No. 745 carried on a voice-vote.

Finally, Motion No. 746, which laid out a procedure for registering and recording pairs for a given day, carried on a voice vote.

Linda Kolody

Deputy Clerk

Newfoundland and Labrador

Fall 2023 Sitting

In accordance with the parliamentary calendar, the Assembly resumed for the Fall sitting on October 16, 2023. On November 2, it recessed for a constituency week break, resuming on November 15. The House adjourned to the call of the Chair on November 16, sitting for a total of 14 days throughout the sitting.

Highlights of the Fall 2023 sitting include:

• Sixteen bills were passed and received Royal Assent.
• Leave was requested on three separate occasions to debate matters of urgent public importance, pursuant to Standing Order 36, regarding access to and affordability of housing in the province. In each of these cases, the Speaker ruled that debate matters were not of urgent public importance pursuant to that Standing Order based on the analysis of urgency of debate, not urgency of the matter. In the rulings, the Speaker further acknowledged that while each of the proposed motions addressed serious and important issues facing the province, that there is a responsibility of the Speaker as a servant of the Assembly to enforce the rules of the House.
• A ruling by the Speaker on a Point of Order, pursuant to Standing Order 49, that remarks made by a Member in two separate instances during Oral Questions contained unparlimentary language. Following two requests for the offending Member to unequivocally withdraw both comments, which were refused, the Speaker further ruled that the Member would not be recognized until such time as the statements were withdrawn. As of the adjournment of the Fall sitting on Thursday, November 16, the Member had not unequivocally withdrawn both comments, and had not spoken in the House since the ruling on October 23.

Installation of the 15^th Lieutenant Governor

On October 12, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced the appointment of Joan Marie J. Aylward as the 15^th Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. She replaces outgoing Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote. Lieutenant Governor Aylward was installed at a ceremony in the Assembly Chamber on November 14. While the House was scheduled to sit that day in accordance with the parliamentary calendar, it passed a motion for Members to gather instead for the installation ceremony.

Lieutenant Governor Aylward served as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly for seven years, during which time she held several ministerial portfolios, including as the first female Minister of Health and Minister of Finance. Most recently, she was Vice-Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board and was appointed to the National Seniors Council in 2018. She is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

Amendments to Standing Orders

On October 24, the Standing Orders Committee tabled its Second Report in the 50^th General Assembly containing two recommendations. The following Standing Orders amendments were adopted by the House on October 25:

That Standing Order 65 be amended by adding immediately after Standing Order 65(5) the following:

(6) In addition to any matter referred to the Public Accounts Committee by the House under Standing Order 65(5), the Public Accounts of the Province and all reports of the Auditor General, shall, upon tabling, stand referred to the Public Accounts Committee.

That Standing Order 65(1)(g) be repealed (abolishment of the Miscellaneous and Private Bills Committee in consideration of the matter of the continued relevance of the Committee).

Appointment of Members’ Compensation Review Committee (MCRC)

On November 2, the House passed a resolution appointing Heather M. Jacobs to conduct a review of Members’ compensation in the 50th General Assembly, as required by the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (the Act). The appointment is in accordance with subsection 16(1), which requires that such a review take place once during each general assembly. The appointment is effective December 1, 2023.

The mandate of the Members’ Compensation Review Committee in accordance with the Act is to conduct an inquiry and provide recommendations respecting the salaries, allowances, severance, and pensions paid to Members. The MCRC must deliver its report to the Speaker on or before April 1, 2024. Once submitted, the House of Assembly Management Commission will review the recommendations in accordance with the process prescribed in the Act.

Ms. Jacobs served as Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice and Public Safety on three occasions from 2015 to 2022. Prior to that time, she also served as an Assistant Deputy Minister, managed the Government Services Unit within the Civil Division and served as a solicitor in the Civil Division in the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Ms. Jacobs received her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Memorial University in 1984 and Bachelor of Laws degree from York University (Osgoode Hall) in 1987.

Public Accounts Committee Update

The Public Accounts Committee continues to be active in the Second Session of the 50^th General Assembly with several audit reports of the Auditor General under various stages of consideration, including: Nalcor Energy (discretionary expenses, conflict of interest processes and the use of embedded contractors; and compensation practices); Adult Custody and Community Corrections; Food Premises Inspection and Licensing Program; Innovation and Business Investment Corporation; and Office of the High Sheriff.

On November 1, the Committee provided an update on its work in the 50^th General Assembly, tabling its Activity Report for the Second Session. The report highlighted that the Committee (as of tabling) had met 26 times in the Second Session (since October 5, 2022), including four public hearings (most recently on July 5, 2023) on matters contained in the Public Accounts Consolidated Summary Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2022 and related matters in the Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General. It also announced that the Committee’s next public hearing would take place on November 29, 2023, with officials from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro scheduled to appear on matters contained in the Auditor General’s 2022 reports respecting Nalcor Energy.

Retirement of Clerk

On August 31, 2023, Sandra Barnes retired as Clerk of the House of Assembly following 11 years in the position.

Ms. Barnes was appointed Clerk of the House in July 2012, following extensive experience in the Executive branch of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. She served as the Deputy Clerk of the Executive Council and Associate Secretary to Cabinet; Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Program Renewal); Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Economic Policy); and Deputy Minister of the Department of Municipal Affairs. She also worked with Treasury Board Secretariat, and prior to joining the Provincial Government in 1994, worked with Newfoundland and Labrador Computer Services.

In her time as Clerk of the House of Assembly, Ms. Barnes served ethically and with integrity, loyalty, impartiality and objectivity. She put the interests of Members and the Legislative branch ahead of her own personal interests and maintained and enhanced the public’s trust and confidence in the Legislature through faithful stewardship of public funds under our robust accountability framework. The House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sandra for her tireless work, and for dedicating her professional career to serving the public interest.

Appointment of Acting Clerk

Kim Hawley George was appointed Clerk of the House of Assembly (acting), effective September 1. The appointment is in accordance with subsection 7(3) of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, and will continue until such time as the position is permanently filled for a period not to exceed 12 months.

Ms. Hawley George served in the position of Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel of the House of Assembly since 2017. Prior to joining the Legislature, she served as Chief Legislative Counsel and Assistant Deputy Minister for Legal Services and the Office of the Legislative Counsel in the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

Appointment of Acting Law Clerk & Parliamentary Counsel

Effective October 23, 2023, Gerrie Smith was appointed acting Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel in accordance with the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act.

Ms. Smith has been practising law for 25 years, primarily in public law for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Previously she worked as a Legislative Consultant with the Department of Health and Community Services.

Organizational Restructuring in House of Assembly Service

In July 2023, the Management Commission approved an organizational restructuring in the House of Assembly Service, which formalized a structure that evolved in recent years to expand capacity in parliamentary procedural support and to strengthen corporate knowledge management.

As part of the restructuring, two members of the senior management team were assigned additional duties as permanent principal table officers, as follows:

• Kimberley Hammond was assigned duties as the Principal Clerk of Proceedings and Procedural Research. This is in addition to her existing responsibilities as Director of Information Management, for which she oversees the Legislative Library, Hansard, and records management.
• Bobbi Russell was assigned duties as the Principal Clerk of Committees. This is in addition to her existing responsibilities as Director of Policy and Communications for which she has oversight of policy development and secretariat support for the Management Commission and Audit Committee; strategic communications and media relations; broadcast services; and visitor services and education.

Bobbi Russell 

Principal Clerk of Committees 

Director of Policy & Communications