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Ric McIver (-Hays) and Premier Prentice holds both (- the Aboriginal Relations Castle Downs). Although and the International and not elected to the Legislative Intergovernmental Relations Assembly at the time, as the portfolios. Robin Campbell leader of the governing party (), previously in the province, Mr. Prentice the Minister of Sustainable was sworn in as ’s 16th Resource Development, was Premier on September 15, 2014. appointed the Minister of Finance On October 18, 2014, the and President of Treasury Board. Alberta Diana McQueen (Drayton (NDP) leadership race saw over Valley-Devon) moved from 3,500 votes cast to select the Energy to Municipal Affairs, Alberta 8th leader of the party. Having while Frank Oberle (Peace River) received approximately 70 per went from Aboriginal Relations to Energy, and Manmeet Prorogation of the 2nd Session cent of the votes cast, Rachel Bhullar (Calgary-Greenway) of the 28th Legislature Notley (Edmonton-Strathcona) won a majority over competitors moved from Human Services to In a departure from the (Edmonton-Calder) Infrastructure. Other ministers practice of proroguing on the and . Ms. Notley’s changing portfolios include day prior to the commencement father, Grant Notley, was a (Edmonton- of a new session, the 2nd Session former MLA and also the leader Glenora), going from Culture to of the 28th Legislature was of the Alberta NDP from 1968 Human Services and Jeff Johnson prorogued on September 18, until his death in a plane crash in (Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater) 2014, and a Proclamation was 1984. leaving Education to take on issued for the commencement of the Seniors’ portfolio. Kyle a new session on November 17, Changes to Cabinet Fawcett (Calgary-Klein) changed 2014. Prorogation in Alberta has On September 15, 2014, ministries to Environment not lasted for more than one day Premier Prentice announced his and Sustainable Resource since March of 1984. Cabinet. In addition to reducing Development leaving a vacancy in the Jobs, Skills, Training Leadership Contests the size of Cabinet, the Premier appointed unelected individuals and Labour portfolio, to which On September 6, 2014, the to lead two government the Premier appointed fellow leadership contestant . Progressive Conservative (PC) ministries. Ric McIver Association of Alberta held (former Mayor of Edmonton) Ministers maintaining their its leadership vote. Although became the Minister of Health previous portfolios include technical glitches and access and (former (Wetaskiwin- challenges with the online voting MLA for , Camrose) with Agriculture and system used by the PC Party were , and former Rural Development, Jonathan reported, the majority victory for Chair of the Calgary Board of Denis (Calgary-Acadia) as (former Member Education) was appointed the Minister of Justice and Solicitor of Parliament for Calgary North Minister of Education. General, and Centre), with over 75 per cent of (Grande Prairie-Wapiti) the vote, went unchallenged by In addition to being President of Executive Council, with Transportation. Private the other leadership contenders, Members

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 47 (Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock) Four by-elections were held former Premier Redford used and (St. Albert) in Alberta on October 27, 2014, government aircraft for partisan were appointed to Cabinet, in three of which were contested or personal travel. Ultimately the the Culture and Tourism and by the unelected members of report concluded that in 2012 the the Service Alberta portfolios, Cabinet. With a voter turnout government fleet travel cost $3.9 respectively. Don Scott (Fort of approximately 40 per cent, million more than what the travel McMurray-Conklin), a former the governing PCs won in all would have cost if driving and Associate Minister, will now four electoral districts. Premier comparable commercial air travel lead the Ministry of Innovation Prentice won with a majority in alternatives had been used. and Advanced Education. Three Calgary-Foothills, Mr. Mandel In addition to evaluating the associate ministers are also won Edmonton-Whitemud by a use of government aircraft, the included in the new Cabinet, large margin of approximately Auditor General’s report also with Teresa Woo-Paw (Calgary- 40 per cent of the vote, while confirmed information on plans Northern Hills) responsible for Mr. Dirks (Calgary-Elbow) and to construct a personal apartment Asia Pacific Relations,Naresh Calgary police officerMike Ellis for the Premier and her daughter. Bhardwaj (Edmonton-Ellerslie) (Calgary-West) each won their Often referred to as the “Sky continuing in his role for Persons respective constituencies by Palace”, the suite was to be built with Disabilities, and David smaller margins of fewer than 800 on the Legislature grounds in Dorward (Edmonton-Gold Bar) and 400 votes respectively. the building that is currently assigned to Aboriginal Relations. Caucus Change undergoing renovations to October 2014 By-Elections supply offices and other facilities After citing concerns about to MLAs, their support staff as Vacancies were created the party’s leadership and well as some government staff. in the Assembly resulting resigning from both Cabinet from the resignation of four and the PC caucus in March, Committee Activity Members, including two former Donna Kennedy-Glans (Calgary- On August 5, 2014, the Premiers. On August 6, 2014, Varsity) rejoined the PC caucus Standing Committee on Resource announced on September 17, 2014. Stewardship released its report her immediate resignation as Investigation into Government on Bill 201, Agricultural Pests a Member of the Legislative (Fusarium Head Blight) Amendment Assembly, leaving a vacancy Use of Aircraft and Government Offices Act, 2014, which was filed with in the constituency of Calgary- the Assembly as an intersessional Elbow. Then on September On August 7, 2014, the Auditor deposit. The report recommends 12, 2014, outgoing Premier General of Alberta released the against the Bill receiving second (Edmonton- results of his investigation into reading but also suggests that Whitemud) announced he would the Government’s use of aircraft the Ministry of Agriculture and be retiring as Premier and as an including the Government’s fleet Rural Development consider a MLA. His resignation became of airplanes. The investigation review of the Agricultural Pests effective September 25, 2014. was initiated in March of 2014 Act as it pertains to Fusarium The next day another member at the request of then-Premier graminearum (FHB). Due to of the government caucus, Ken Redford. prorogation, the Bill has been Hughes (Calgary-West), resigned The Auditor General’s report removed from the Order Paper. from the Legislative Assembly. indicated the former Premier had Three days later, Independent The Standing Committee derived a personal benefit on on Alberta’s Economic Future Member (Calgary- several occasions by bringing her Foothills), formerly a member continued working on its daughter with her on government review of Bill 9, Public Sector of the government caucus, aircraft flights and that instances resigned. Mr. Webber will be Pension Plans Amendment Act, had been found in which false running in the next national 2014, and Bill 10, Employment passengers were booked on Pension (Private Sector) Plans election representing the government flights to ensure federal Conservative party in Amendment Act, 2014. In addition the Premier and her entourage to the stakeholder presentations the Calgary-Confederation would travel alone. The report constituency. and public meetings held in also identified times in which the spring, the Committee

48 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 also received over 450 written participate, the meeting was provides for the continuation of submissions from members held on the Halifax’s IWK Health Centre as a of the public, unions, and campus with an afternoon start separate entity and the collapsing other organizations. Following time. In addition, the meeting of all other existing health prorogation, work on the review featured a special presentation authorities into one provincial ceased on September 18. The on sovereign wealth funds from health authority. The contentious government has announced it Randall Morck, a professor with portions of the bill that caused will not reintroduce either of the the School of Business at the much debate in the House of Bills in the next session. University of Alberta. Interested Assembly were labour provisions During the spring sitting members of the public were regarding employees affected by the Assembly passed the Child, encouraged to submit their the merger. Youth and Family Enhancement comments and questions about Second reading debate Amendment Act, 2014, which the Fund to the Committee in commenced at 7:00 a.m. on repealed the publication ban person, by phone, or online via September 30, and the second regarding the identity of email or Twitter. A live broadcast reading vote took place at children who die while receiving of the meeting was also available approximately 5:20 p.m. that provincial intervention services online and on television, with evening. The Bill was then and requires that any related the television broadcast being referred to the Law Amendments regulations being made under the repeated later the same evening. Committee for public Act be considered by an all-party It is estimated that the two representations. The sitting on committee of the Legislative televised broadcasts attracted October 1 took place from 8 p.m. Assembly. Following a request over 1,000 viewers in Edmonton to midnight. As a result, the late from the Minister of Human and Calgary. sitting time allowed the Chair of Services, the Standing Committee the Law Amendments Committee on Families and Communities Jody Rempel to report Bill # 1 back to the met on July 16, 2014 and initiated Committee Clerk House as all public presentations a review of a draft Publication Ban were then concluded. The (Court Applications and Orders) business of the House concluded Regulation. Over the summer the at 11:39 p.m. that day and, Committee received 12 written following a 22-minute recess, the submissions from identified House reconvened at 12:01 a.m. stakeholders. On September 11, October 2. Following Question 2014, the Committee received Period the House resolved itself a technical briefing from the into the Committee of the Whole Ministry and then passed a on Bills at 1:11am to consider Bill motion expressing its approval # 1. The bill was reported back of the draft regulation. It is to the House at 3:07 a.m. and the anticipated that the Committee House rose shortly thereafter. will table its report upon the On October 3, a resolution was commencement of the Third Nova Scotia presented to direct Bill # 1 back Session of the 28th Legislature. to the Committee of the Whole The Alberta Heritage Savings Fall sitting 2014 on Bills for a 30-minute time Trust Fund Act authorizes limit to permit the making of The 1st session of the 62nd the Standing Committee on certain amendments. Upon the General Assembly prorogued on the Alberta Heritage Savings Bill being reported back to the September 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Trust Fund to meet during a House from the Committee of The 2nd Session commenced period of prorogation. It is the the Whole on Bills, unanimous at 2:00 p.m. the same day with only legislative committee in consent was obtained to proceed the reading of the Speech from Alberta that is able to do so. The with third reading of the bill. the Throne by the Lieutenant- Committee hosted its annual Third reading of the bill passed at Governor. public meeting on October 9, approximately 1:20 p.m. 2014. In order to encourage Bill # 1 was introduced on Security was greatly increased a younger demographic to Monday September 29. The bill at the House of Assembly

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 49 during the debate on this bill as To date 64 Bills have been protesters were ever-present. introduced in the House – Video of protesters blocking the 24 Government, 37 Private Premier’s vehicle as he attempted Member’s and 3 Private and to leave the premises made the Local. Bill # 1 received Royal national news. Assent. On September 26, the Association Meetings Government House Leader tabled a resolution amending the The Nova Scotia Table Rules of the House of Assembly. was delighted to host the The Opposition parties did not Association of Clerks at- consent to the amendments and the-Table’s Professional after moving the resolution for Development Seminar in British Columbia debate October 10 lengthy debate Halifax from July 28 to August 1, 2014. Fifty-four delegates, commenced. The House sat Speech from the Throne from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on 29 accompanying persons and October 14 and from 12:00 p.m. to 15 youth attended for a total On October 6, 2014, Lieutenant 6:44 p.m. on October 15 at which participation of 98 persons. Governor Judith Guichon time the Resolution as amended Thirteen of the 14 Canadian prorogued the second session was passed and the Government jurisdictions participated in of the 40th Parliament. That House Leader advised the House the seminar and all 13 either afternoon, she opened the third the effective date of the changes chaired or were presenters at the session with the Speech from the would be October 27. business sessions. The delegates Throne. participated in eight informative The major changes to the Rules The Throne Speech outlined interactive business sessions government’s approach for are: and time was set aside in the • The House no longer sits on development of a Liquefied program for an open session for Natural Gas (LNG) industry. Mondays. The new sitting updates and comments by our hours are 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Speech noted that, as a on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and guest associations/parliaments means of securing the Province’s Thursdays and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 and our honourary members. economic growth, a legislative p.m. on Fridays. The delegates from the House framework for LNG would be • Question Period takes place of Lords and the House of introduced to provide certainty on each sitting day and Commons in the United Kingdom lasts 50 minutes. Question for businesses and fairness for presented the seventh business British Columbians in terms of Period is fixed to commence session. one hour after the start of revenue collection. The nascent the Daily Routine. The first From October 16 to 18, LNG industry was compared question put by each leader of 2014, the Nova Scotia House to earlier development of the a recognized party will have of Assembly hosted the two supplemental questions forestry sector. The government’s – only one supplemental will Commonwealth Parliamentary approach for LNG is designed to be permitted for all other Association’s 36th Canadian benefit BC’s economy and people, questions. Regional Seminar. Thirty-nine while ensuring the protection of • Adjournment debate take place delegates and nine accompanying the environment. on Wednesday weekly rather persons attended. The delegates than three days per week. In their response to the Throne participated in five business Speech, official opposition • Notices of Motion which are sessions that led to many read in the House have been members noted the government’s questions and interesting plan for LNG development reduced to a total of four per exchanges. day. reflected a change to the extent of expected LNG development from • Statements by Members Annette M. Boucher have been added to the commitments made in previous Daily Routine. Each Member Assistant Clerk Throne Speeches. Opposition may make two one-minute members also stated that earlier statements. Throne Speeches had forecast significantly higher levels of

50 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 debt reduction and job creation required to release its report by with respect to expense limits, as well as the establishment of November 15, 2014. and principles for establishing a Prosperity Fund. Opposition • The Select Standing Committee limits for third party advertisers. members expressed concern on Children and Youth In 2015, the Committee will begin about the need for additional received 160 submissions the second phase of its mandate, and heard from youth and measures to strengthen job advocates as part of its special on expense limit amounts for creation. project examining youth candidates for mayor and council, mental health in BC. The electoral area director, school Legislation Committee also continued trustee, special purpose local with its responsibilities for governments, and third party In the fall sitting, the following reviewing the reports of the noteworthy bills had been Representative for Children advertisers, with a report to the introduced at the time of writing: and Youth. Assembly due by June 12, 2015. • Bill 2, Greenhouse Gas Industrial • The Special Committee to Local elections on November Reporting and Control Act, Review the Personal Information 15, 2014 will be held under would repeal and replace the Protection Act completed existing statutory provisions, Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Cap the consultation stage of its including new local elections and Trade) Act with a regulatory statutory review of the Act on legislation adopted in May scheme to limit greenhouse October 31, 2014. gas emissions by industrial 2014, which reformed campaign • The Select Standing Committee disclosure statements, advertising operations. on Health continued its • Bill 5, Container Trucking consultation on health care sponsorship disclosure and Act, would authorize the sustainability, which includes registration, and the compliance appointment of the British an online process for receiving and enforcement duties of Columbia Container Trucking written submissions from Elections BC. The Committee’s Commissioner and the stakeholders and interested recommendations will inform commissioner’s powers, British Columbians. The duties and functions – the Committee extended the the development of amendments commissioner would assume deadline for receiving written to the Local Elections Campaign responsibility for all truck submissions to December 31, Financing Act that would licensing to provide stability 2014. implement expense limits for to Port Metro Vancouver • The Special Committee to local elections in 2018. following a series of labour Review the Independent disruptions, including a strike Investigations Office (IIO) Sessional Order earlier this year. continued its review of the • Bill 6, Liquefied Natural Gas IIO’s administration and On October 9, 2014, the House Income Tax Act, proposes a general operations, with adopted on division a sessional taxation framework beginning a series of meetings with order to amend Standing Orders on or after January 1, 2017 stakeholders as well as an 25 and 47(a) to reschedule Oral on income derived from online process for written liquefaction activities carried submissions which continued Question Period and daily out at an LNG facility. until October 29, 2014. Members’ Statements to mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays of Committee Activity • The Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts met for two each sitting week. Oral Question This reporting period saw days in September and October Period and Members’ Statements a record number of British to consider seven reports will remain scheduled in the from the Office of the Auditor afternoon on Mondays and Columbia parliamentary General. committees undertaking public Wednesdays. A similar sessional consultations: On October 9, 2014, the order was adopted for the first Legislative Assembly established time on February 13, 2014, in the • The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government a Special Committee on Local previous session. Services concluded its annual Elections Expense Limits. The pre-budget consultations Committee launched the first Apology to Tsilhqot’in Nation on October 17, 2014. The phase of its mandate, which for Historical Wrongs Committee received 1,821 requires a report to the Assembly submissions, in the form of On October 23, 2014, online survey responses, by November 27, 2014 on Premier Christy Clark made a written and video submissions, principles for the relationship ministerial statement regarding and presentations at 20 public between elector organizations reconciliation with Tsilhqot’in hearings. The Committee is and their endorsed candidates Nation, expressing government’s

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 51 apology for the “wrongful arrest, conduct clause-by-clause been first elected in 1986. Mrs. trial and hanging” of six First consideration of three Bills that Mitchelson represented the Nations chiefs. The chiefs had the House had not completed urban riding of River East for last spring. The following been engaged in a territorial Bills will accordingly be her entire tenure as an MLA. dispute to defend their lands reported to the House in the She served for several years as and their peoples 150 years ago. upcoming fourth session for a minister in the Gary Filmon Official Opposition leaderJohn the remaining stages of the bill Progressive Conservative (PC) Horgan supported the apology, enactment process: government with responsibilities and expressed hope that it • Bill 69 – The Technical Safety for such portfolios as: Culture, would lead to “a genuine start to Act Heritage and Recreation, Status reconciliation with the Tsilhqot’in • Bill 70 – The Real Estate Services of Women, the Manitoba Lotteries people.” Act Foundation, and Family Services • Bill 71 – The Animal Diseases (serving six years as Minister). Gordon Robinson Amendment Act Following the PC Party defeat in Committee Researcher Members Not Seeking 1999 she was chosen as interim Re-election leader in May 2000, holding that position until a new leader was Several long-serving members acclaimed later that year. When of the Manitoba Assembly have she steps down prior to the next recently announced that they election, Mrs. Mitchelson will be will not run again in the next the longest serving female MLA election. Leanne Rowat, MLA for in the history of the province. Riding Mountain, will not stand for re-election after over a decade Andrea Signorelli of service. Mrs. Rowat served as Clerk Assistant/Clerk of Committees critic in a number of areas, most recently Children and Youth Opportunities. During her time as an MLA, Mrs. Rowat introduced Manitoba several Private Members Bills, including three pieces of Standing Committees legislation which received royal assent: The Universal Newborn Manitoba Standing Hearing Screening Act, The Newfoundland and Committees held several Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month Labrador intersessional meetings during Act, and The Pregnancy and Infant this period. Loss Awareness Day Act. • The Standing Committee on Resignations This past June, Stu Briese, Public Accounts met on three On September 5, 2014, Minister separate occasions to consider MLA for Agassiz, also of Finance Charlene Johnson several chapters of the last two announced that he will not resigned from the House of Auditor General Reports – Annual run in the next election. First Reports to the Legislature, and Assembly. Minister of Tourism, elected to the House in 2007, the last three years of the Public Recreation and Culture Terry Mr. Briese previously worked Accounts. French resigned on September in municipal politics, including • The Standing Committee on 19. The by-election for the District time as a member of the board Crown Corporations met of Conception Bay South vacated four times to consider annual and President of the Union of by Mr. French has been called for reports from Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Municipalities and November 5. Manitoba Public Insurance, The the Association of Manitoban Workers Compensation Board, and Manitoba Liquor and Municipalities. Speaker Appointed to Cabinet Lotteries Corporation. Another longtime MLA not Ross Wiseman who had been • The Standing Committee seeking re-election is Bonnie Speaker of the House since 2011 on Social and Economic Mitchelson, who has been a resigned on September 5 when Development met to hear Member of the Legislature for public presentations and he was appointed Minister of almost three decades, having

52 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 Finance. Deputy Speaker Wade on November 6, 2014. The Verge is acting as Speaker until proceedings of the Committee the House reconvenes when the of the Whole during its fall election of a Speaker will be the 2014 sitting of the House were first order of business. dominated by the consideration of the Government of ’s By-election proposed 2015-2016 capital Nunavut On August 26, Scott Reid was estimates. elected in the by-election in St. On October 24, 2014, the House Proceedings George’s – Stephenville East. Legislative Assembly adopted a The seat was vacated by former The spring 2014 sitting of the motion to expel the Member for Minister of Environment and 2nd Session of the 4th Legislative , , Conservation Joan Shea. Assembly convened on May 22, from the Legislative Assembly Leadership Change 2014. The proceedings of the and to declare the Member’s seat Committee of the Whole during vacant. The motion, which was At the PC convention held on the spring 2014 sitting of the moved by , MLA for September 13, Paul Davis was House were dominated by the -Sinaa and seconded by Mr. elected leader of the party and was consideration of the Government Savikataaq, noted Mr. Nuqingaq’s sworn in as Premier on September of Nunavut’s proposed 2014-2015 unacceptable conduct, including 26, succeeding Tom Marshall. main estimates and departmental persistent absences from sittings The other two candidates were business plans. of the House and meetings of its Steve Kent, now Deputy Premier On June 2, 2014, the Legislative committees and caucuses without and Minister of Health and Assembly adopted a motion to reasonable explanation. The Community Services and John recommend the appointment motion was carried unanimously. Ottenheimer, a former MHA from of Sherry McNeil-Mulak as A by-election will be held on 1996 to 2007. Nunavut’s first Representative February 19, 2015. The new cabinet was sworn for Children and Youth under On October 27, 2014, the in on September 30. The the Representative for Children and Legislative Assembly adopted a announcement of the new Youth Act. motion to extend the period of cabinet was accompanied by On June 9, 2014, the Legislative time for the Standing Committee a restructuring of government Assembly adopted a motion to on Legislation to report Bill 1, departments and a change in the establish a Special Committee the proposed Northern Employee ministerial assignments of nine to Review the Education Act. Benefits Services Pension Act, back ministers. In addition, Keith The members of the Special to the House, by an additional Russell, MHA for the District of Committee areGeorge Hickes, 120 days. The bill sets out the Lake Melville, was appointed to MLA for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, proposed legislative framework cabinet as Minister of Labrador , MLA for for the continuation of the and Aboriginal Affairs andJudy and Minister of Education, Northern Employee Benefits Manning, who is not a member of , MLA for Services plan as a multi- the House of Assembly, became Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Simeon employer, multi-jurisdictional the Minister of Justice and Public Mikkungwak, MLA for Baker pension plan for employees of Safety and the Attorney General. Lake and , MLA approved public sector employers Minister Manning has indicated for South. Mr. Hickes in northern . A piece of that she plans to run in the next serves as the Chairperson of the mirror legislation was introduced provincial general election in the Special Committee. The Special in the Legislative Assembly of District of Placentia and St. Mary’s. Committee is expected to report the on The House of Assembly, which its findings and recommendations February 26, 2014. The motion does not have a parliamentary to the House during its fall 2015 was moved by Mr. Savikataaq, calendar, typically re-convenes in sitting. the Committee Chair. A similar mid-November. motion was adopted by the The fall 2014 sitting of the 2nd Legislative Assembly of the Elizabeth Murphy Session of the 4th Legislative Northwest Territories at its sitting Assembly convened on October Clerk Assistant of October 30, 2014. 21, 2014 and concluded

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 53 Committee Activities The Standing Committee’s the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond hearings were televised live Jubilee Medal and a National The Standing Committee across Nunavut on local Aboriginal Achievement Award. on Oversight of Government community cable stations and Operations and Public Accounts, direct-to-home satellite service. Corrigendum which is chaired by Mr. Hickes, held hearings from September Reports from the Standing The Nunavut Legislative 16-23, 2014, on a number of Committee’s hearings were Report that was published in the matters. presented to the House during summer 2014 edition of Canadian the week of October 27-31, 2014. Parliamentary Review indicated From September 16-17, 2014, that a territory-wide plebiscite officials from the Office of the Order of Nunavut concerning the alienation of Auditor General of Canada and The 2014 investiture ceremony municipal lands, pursuant to the Government of Nunavut’s Article 14.8.4 of the Nunavut Land Department of Family Services for the Order of Nunavut was held in the Chamber of the Claims Agreement, will be held appeared before the Standing in 2015. The submission to the Committee on the occasion of Legislative Assembly on October 28, 2014. The ceremony was Review should have noted that its consideration of the Auditor the vote will take place in 2016. General’s 2014 Follow-up Report presided over by Speaker George Qulaut in his capacity as Chair of on Child and Family Services in Alex Baldwin Nunavut. the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council and Commissioner Office of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut On September 18, 2014, Edna Elias in her capacity as the Information and Privacy Chancellor of the Order of , Nunavut. Elaine Keenan Bengts, appeared before the Standing The objective of the Order is to Committee on the occasion of its recognize individuals who have consideration of her 2012-2013 made outstanding contributions and 2013-2014 annual reports to the cultural, social or economic to the Legislative Assembly. well-being of Nunavut. The Officials from the Government Order is the highest honour of of Nunavut’s Department of Nunavut and takes precedence Executive and Intergovernmental over all other orders, decorations Affairs subsequently appeared or medals conferred by the Prince Edward Island before the Standing Committee Government of Nunavut. on September 19, 2014. In September, the Order of Fifth Session of the Sixty-fourth General Assembly On September 22, 2014, Nunavut Advisory Council announced that John Amagoalik the Languages Commissioner The Fifth Session of the Sixty- was the 2014 recipient of of Nunavut, Sandra Inutiq, fourth General Assembly opens the Order of Nunavut. Mr. appeared before the Standing on November 12, 2014, with the Amagoalik’s leadership career Committee on the occasion of its Speech from the Throne delivered began in the 1970s, at the consideration of her 2012-2013 by Lieutenant Governor H. Frank beginning of the movement annual report to the Legislative Lewis. It has been more than to establish Nunavut. Mr. Assembly. three decades since a General Amagoalik has served as the Assembly on Prince Edward On September 23, 2014, the President of the Tapirisat Island went into a Fifth Session. President of the Qulliq Energy of Canada, Co-Chair of the The Fifth Session of the Fifty- Corporation appeared before Inuit Committee on National third General Assembly opened the Standing Committee on the Issues, Chair of the Nunavut on March 1, 1978. occasion of its consideration Constitutional Forum and Chief of the corporation’s 2012-2013 Commissioner of the Nunavut The Fourth Session of the annual report and 2014-2018 Implementation Commission. Sixty-fourth General Assembly corporate plan. Mr. Amagoalik has received will be prorogued on November numerous awards in recognition 8, 2014. of his contributions, including

54 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 Legislative Assembly to Move in new roles. Herb Cox became the Early 2015 new Government Whip. Fred Bradshaw became the new Chair In mid-October it was of the Standing Committee on announced that the Legislative Crown and Central Agencies and Assembly of Prince Edward Delbert Kirsch became the new Island will be vacating Province Deputy Chair of Committees. House, its home since 1847, in early 2015 in advance of extensive It was announced on October conservation work on the 16, 2014 that a by-election for the building. The work to conserve constituency of Lloydminster Province House is anticipated to would be held on November 13, last three to five years. 2014. Saskatchewan The Legislative Chamber will The Executive Government be relocated to the Hon. George Administration Act Throne Speech Coles Building, adjacent to On May 14, 2014, Bill No. Province House on Richmond The Fourth session of the 129 - The Executive Government Street in Charlottetown. The Twenty-seventh Legislature Administration Act and Bill No. administrative, security and press began with the Speech from the 130 - The Executive Government offices will also be located in the Throne by Lieutenant Governor, Administration Consequential Coles Building. The Office of the Vaughn Solomon Schofield Amendments Act, 2013 / Projet de Speaker and the Office of the on October 22, 2014. The loi no 130 – Loi de 2013 portant Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Throne Speech, entitled Keeping modifications corrélatives à la loi will be moved to a building Saskatchewan Strong, focused on intitulée The Executive Government which is situated immediately the economy and announced Administration Act were given east of the Hon. George Coles tax incentives for the creation Royal Assent in the Assembly. Building. Legislative standing of new manufacturing jobs as committees will meet in a satellite well as additional Adult Basic On August 15, 2014, Bill location, the J. Angus MacLean Education and apprentice training No. 130, which separated the Building, which currently houses seats. Other highlights included Executive Council and Legislative the Hansard offices. All three the development of a Poverty Assembly, was proclaimed and buildings are within a city block Reduction Strategy and planned made law. The Executive Council of one another, in the heart of upgrades to internet access at the provisions are now included historic Charlottetown. regional colleges. The Opposition in The Executive Government Administration Act “On behalf of the Standing argued that the Throne Speech . The Legislative Committee on Legislative did not address issues in health Assembly had a separate act Management, we are very care, seniors care, cost of living from 1906 to 1979, when it was pleased that Parks Canada is and education. combined with Executive Council. undertaking this conservation Resignation of Member Confederation Table to historic Province House, and following the fall sitting of the Tim McMillan, the Member The Legislative Assembly is legislature, we look forward to from Lloydminster and Minister loaning its fabled “Confederation our interim home in the Coles responsible for Rural and Table” to the Canadian Museum Building,” said Speaker Carolyn Remote Health, tendered his of History for an upcoming Bertram. resignation on September 18, exhibit entitled “1867.” 2014, effective September 30, 2014. According to oral history, the Marian Johnston He immediately resigned from Fathers of Confederation are Clerk assistant and Clerk of cabinet which led Premier Brad said to have sat around this table Committees Wall to appoint Greg Ottenbreit during the national Conference as the new Minister on September of 1864. Records have not been 24, 2014. found to prove or disprove the story. The certainty is that it was With Mr. Ottenbreit’s used by the Privy Council in appointment to cabinet, other Ottawa in 1865. Members found themselves in

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 55 Lieutenant Governor Dewdney Official Opposition LeaderLiz arranged for the table to be Hanson, and Third Party Leader brought to Regina in the period Sandy Silver offered tributes in 1883-92. By 1908, it had become remembrance of the soldiers and the Legislative Assembly’s the attack on Parliament Hill. House table. It was shortened by 6 feet in order to fit the limited Mace quarters of the Assembly prior to Also on opening day, the establishment of the Legislative Speaker delivered a statement Building. regarding the refurbishment In 1914, the Assembly Committee Service of the Legislative Assembly’s Mace, which had travelled to de-commissioned the table The 2014 Fall Sitting of the Toronto for re-plating during and placed it in the Legislative 1st Session of the 33rd Yukon the summer recess. While there, Library. Legislative Assembly convened the Mace’s more than 50 pieces on Thursday, October 23rd, and Dome Refurbishment had been cleaned, re-plated, and is expected to rise on Thursday, reassembled by Corona Jewellery The dome at the Saskatchewan December 18th. Legislative Building is Company, the same company undergoing significant In Remembrance that had refurbished the Ontario renovations. Substantial damage Legislative Assembly’s Mace in The tragic events in Ottawa 2009. The Speaker noted that has occurred due to excess having only occurred the moisture. The cost of the project hand-polishing alone of Yukon’s preceding day, MLAs’ first day (now gleaming) Mace took over is estimated to be $15 million back in the Chamber featured plus additional costs for masonry 24 hours. Inspector Rick Boon of heightened security measures. the Ontario legislative security and coppersmith work. The Following the prayer, Speaker renovations are expected to be service escorted the Mace safely David Laxton, a 22-year veteran back to Whitehorse. completed by December 2015. of the Canadian Armed Forces, Some notable facts about the called for a moment of silence Hydraulic Fracturing Committee in memory of and respect for renovation include: On October 8, the very active Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent • Replacement Tyndall Stone is Select Committee Regarding the and Corporal Nathan Cirillo. quarried in Garson, Manitoba Risks and Benefits of Hydraulic by Gillis Quarries Ltd. Premier Darrell Pasloski, Fracturing (RBHF) issued a news • The vinyl weather resistant cloth covering the dome is designed to keep the work area above 9°C so the mortar will cure properly and the work can continue through winter. • The crane height required clearance from Regina Airport Authority, NAV Canada and Transport Canada to be installed. • New copper will be installed at the top of the dome and may take 1-3 years to oxiodize and change colour from bronze to green to black.

Stacey Ursulescu Committee Clerk

The dome at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building is undergoing significant renovations.

56 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 release and a progress report. Legislative Assembly reviewed Northern Employee Benefits The news release stated that departmental business plans for Services (NEBS) Pension Plan to the Committee had completed the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The continue as a multi-employer, its public hearings and was Standing Committee on Economic multi-jurisdictional public sector preparing its final report (which Development and Infrastructure, pension plan for employees of must be presented during the the Standing Committee on approved public sector employers 2014 Fall Sitting). It also noted Government Operations, and the in both the Northwest Territories that the Committee had heard Standing Committee on Social and Nunavut. Bill 1, which is from “over 240 individuals at Programs met with the ministers before the Nunavut Standing 13 public hearings held in 12 and senior officials from all Committee on Legislation, largely Yukon communities … [and] government departments as part mirrors Bill 12. received 434 written submissions of the review process. On October 30, 2014, the before the September 30, 2014 On October 16, 2014, the Legislative Assembly adopted deadline for comments from the Government of the Northwest a motion to extend the review public.” The public hearings took Territories tabled its response period for Bill 12 for a further 120 place this year in June, July, and to the Standing Committee on days. During the same week the September. Government Operations Report Nunavut Legislative Assembly Information about the on the Review of the 2014 Report also adopted a motion to extend committee and its work can of the Auditor General of Canada the period of time for their be found at: http://www. on Northwest Territories Child Committee to report Bill 1 by a legassembly.gov.yk.ca/rbhf.html and Family Services along with further 120 days. Building Stronger Families: An Following the Standing Linda Kolody Action Plan to Transform Child and Committee on Rules and Deputy Clerk Family Services. These documents Procedures’ Report on the Review address the recommendations of the Auxiliary Report of the Chief made by the Standing Committee Electoral Officer on Issues Arising on Government Operations with from the 2011 General Election, respect to changes necessary in which was presented to the child and family services and House in June, an Act to Amend describe how these changes will the Elections and Plebiscites Act, The Northwest Territories be accomplished. No. 2 was introduced in the Following the release of Assembly. The Bill amended Legislation its June, 2014 report titled the Elections and Plebiscites Establishing an Office of the Act to: replace the provisions The Fifth Session of the Ombudsman for the Northwest for advance polls with a new 17th Legislative Assembly Territories, the Standing special voting opportunity; reconvened on October 16, Committee on Government modernize requirements relating 2014 and was scheduled to Operations invited André Marin, to campaigning, including sit until November 6, 2014. Ombudsman of Ontario, to visit requirements with respect During this sitting, the House Yellowknife. During his visit to campaign advertising and considered the 2015-2016 Capital Mr. Marin met with Committee sponsor identification; require Estimates, two supplementary Members and participated in candidates to file statements from appropriation bills dealing a Town Hall meeting with the banks or approved institutions in with both infrastructure and general public on the role and support of their financial reports; operations expenditures, as potential contributions of an increase the number of electors well as legislation including the Ombudsman. for whom another elector may Human Tissue Donation Act, and vouch and prohibit candidates amendments to the Education The Standing Committee on Government Operations from vouching; prohibit Act, the Public Service Act and the candidates from accepting Pharmacy Act. continues to consider Bill 12: Northern Employee Benefits Services more than $1,500 in anonymous Committees Pension Plan Act. The act sets contributions; permit candidates out the legislative framework to pay for petty expenses From September 8-26, 2014, incurred in a campaign period; the Standing Committees of the for the continuation of the

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 57 enhance the investigation and Plebiscites Act. Ms. Latour’s enforcement powers of the Chief four-year term took effect on Electoral Officer; and modernize November 1, 2014. the drafting of the offence As Chief Electoral Officer, provisions. Ms. Latour will be responsible The Caucus of the 17th for the conduct of territorial Legislative Assembly has clarified elections and plebiscites. In its position on the timing of the addition, the Chief Electoral next territorial general election. Officer will establish policies and Bill 34: 2015 Polling Day Act procedures, manage the Register establishes April 1, 2015 as the of Territorial Electors, supply “trigger date” with regards to training and guidance to electoral House of Commons the timing of the next Northwest officers, and provide advice Territories general election. If, and recommendations to the The Second Session of the by April 1, 2015, the date of Legislative Assembly regarding 41st Parliament continued as the the federal election continues election legislation and policy. House reconvened on September to overlap with the campaign 15, 2014, having adjourned for period for the territorial election, Clerk of the Legislative the summer on June 20, 2014. The the date of the territorial Assembly information below covers the election will be postponed to In August the Legislative period from August 1 to October November 23, 2015. However, Assembly welcomed the return 31, 2014. if an announcement is made to of its Clerk, Tim Mercer. Mr. change the timing of the federal Mercer and his family spent Financial Procedures election prior to April 1, 2015, the the previous year traveling the On October 10, 2014, the territorial election will proceed country and the world, from Government tabled a Notice of as planned on October 5, 2015. Yukon to Newfoundland and a Ways and Means motion to The bill will be contingent upon Labrador and from New Zealand implement certain provisions of the passage of amendments to the to Germany. the budget tabled in Parliament Northwest Territories Act by the on February 11, 2014 and other . Building Anniversary measures (Ways and Means No. November 2013 marked Caucus Retreat 14). The details of the proposed the 20th anniversary of taxation measures had been Members of the 17th Assembly the Northwest Territories mistakenly posted on the website gathered for a Caucus retreat Legislative Assembly building. of the Department of Finance at the K’atl’odeeche First On September 19, 2014 the prior to the tabling. Nation Wilderness Lodge Legislative Assembly concluded from August 19-21, 2014. The its 20th anniversary celebrations Procedure, Points of Order and retreat included a review of the with the burial of a time capsule, Questions of Privilege proposed revisions of the Rules which is scheduled to be Procedure of the Legislative Assembly, unearthed during the building’s discussions on consensus 50th anniversary celebrations. On September 19, 2014, Yvon protocols, a tour of the new Hay The time capsule contains items Godin (Acadie—Bathurst) River Regional Health Centre as such as letters, photos, artwork, moved for leave to introduce well as a community feast at the and books submitted by all a bill entitled, An Act to amend K’atl’odeeche First Nation’s Chief Members of the 17th Assembly, the Navigable Waters Protection Lamalice Complex. Legislative Assembly staff and Act (Nepisiguit River). Pursuant northern students. to Standing Order 68(2), the New Chief Electoral Officer motion was deemed adopted, On October 24, 2014 Nicole Michael Ball but the Bill was not read the first Latour was appointed as the Principal Clerk, Committees and time, ordered to be printed and Chief Electoral Officer for the Public Affairs ordered for a second reading at Northwest Territories, pursuant the next sitting of the House since to Section 5 of the Elections and Mr. Godin immediately moved to proceed to the next rubric

58 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 in Routine Proceedings, First and that his amendment would Committees Reading of Senate Public Bills. allow Members to express The Standing Committee on As the motion was agreed to, the themselves on the issue. In Procedure and House Affairs Bill remains on the Order Paper response, the Speaker stated that met on October 2, 9, 21, and awaiting first reading. Mr. Garrison’s belief that the 30, 2014, to consider the prima outcome of consideration of the During Oral Questions on facie case of privilege referred motion by the House might be September 23, 2014, Thomas to it by the House in connection different from that in committee Mulcair (Leader of the with the denial of access to the was not sufficient ground for Opposition), not satisfied with parliamentary precinct on the the Chair to determine that the answers from Paul Calandra part of Mr. Godin. At the third of exceptional circumstances existed (Parliamentary Secretary to these meetings, the Sergeant-at- that would warrant the selection the Prime Minister and for Arms and his deputy, as well as of this particular amendment. Intergovernmental Affairs) senior officers of the R.C.M.P. and questioned the neutrality of the Questions of Privilege the Ottawa Police Service, were Speaker. The following day, present to discuss the incident the Speaker made a statement On September 15, 2014, which gave rise to the question of on the subject of the role of the Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf privilege. At the time of writing, Speaker during Question Period, Islands) rose on a question the Committee had not yet emphasizing the long-standing of privilege to object to the reported back to the House. tradition that the Speaker has no use of time allocation by the On September 30, 2014, Joe authority over the content of the Government to curtail debate on Preston (Elgin—Middlesex— answers to questions; he added various legislative initiatives of London) presented to the House that the rules governing repetition the Crown. She drew attention the 18th report of the Standing and relevance do not apply to to the negative effect that the Committee on Procedure and Question Period. He reminded curtailment of debate has on House Affairs regarding the Members that reflections on the ability of all Members, membership of committees of the character or actions of the and Independent Members the House. He has sought and Speaker could be taken by the in particular, to contribute to been denied unanimous consent House as breaches of privilege. legislative debates, and asked the Speaker to protect the rights for concurrence in the report on Points of Order and privileges of all Members to several occasions. Randall Garrison (Esquimalt— speak to motions. At the conclusion of Oral Juan de Fuca) rose on a point On September 25, 2014, Mr. Questions on September 30, of order, urging the Speaker to Godin rose on a question of 2014, Brad Trost (— select for debate his report stage privilege with respect to his Humboldt) directed a question amendment for Bill C-13, An having been denied access to to Mr. Preston in his capacity as Act to amend the Criminal Code, the House of Commons by an Chair of the Standing Committee the Canada Evidence Act, the RCMP officer earlier that day due on Procedure and House Affairs. Competition Act and the Mutual to a visit by a foreign dignitary. The question concerned the Legal Assistance in Criminal Other Members agreed that the reasons for the opposition of NDP Matters Act on the ground that it principle of access to the precinct Members to the Committee’s was of exceptional significance. was an important one. Later in latest report. The Speaker ruled Although his amendment had the day, the Speaker ruled that the question out of order as it been defeated in committee, the denial of access by Members did not fall within the acceptable he asserted that the Bill, as to the precinct is a serious matter, parameters for questions to adopted by the Committee, and, accordingly, there was, in Committee Chairs. Subsequently, would effectively override part this instance, a prima facie case of during Oral Questions on October of Bill C-279, An Act to amend the privilege; whereupon, Mr. Godin, 30, 2014, Mr. Preston replied to a Canadian Human Rights Act and moved a motion to refer the question from Kevin Lamoureux the Criminal Code (gender identity), matter to the Standing Committee (Winnipeg North) regarding the which had been passed by a on Procedure and House Affairs. Committee’s upcoming agenda majority of Members from all After debate, the motion was and its 18th report. parties in the House of Commons, agreed to.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 59 Other Matters Members military mission in Iraq. By unanimous consent, Ms. May also On September 15, 2014, the On September 15, 2014, the made a statement. Following this, Speaker asked Members to join Speaker informed the House that on October 6, 2014, the House of him in welcoming Acting Clerk the Clerk had received from the Commons debated a government Marc Bosc and in sending best Chief Electoral Officer certificates motion regarding a Canadian wishes to Audrey O’Brien (Clerk of election for four new Members: military mission in Iraq. The of the House), who had recently John Barlow (Macleod); Arnold motion was adopted on October undergone emergency surgery, Chan (Scarborough—Agincourt); 7, 2014. for a speedy recovery. Adam Vaughan (Trinity— On October 21, 2014, the On October 22, 2014, the House Spadina); and David Yurdiga House adopted a motion did not sit because of the attacks (Fort McMurray—Athabasca). conferring honourary Canadian that day at the National War Effective September 17, 2014, Citizenship on Malala Yousafzai Memorial and in the Centre Block Rob Merrifield (Yellowhead) in recognition of her advocacy of of the Parliament Buildings. On resigned as a Member of fundamental human rights and October 23, 2014, exceptionally, Parliament. Stella Ambler access to education, in particular the doors of the House of (Mississauga South) was for girls and women. Commons were open to the appointed as a member of the public prior to the reading of the Board of Internal Economy as a Gary Sokolyk Prayers, and these proceedings replacement for Mr. Merrifield Table Research Branch were televised. During Routine effective September 26, 2014. Proceedings, the leaders of the Effective October 21, three recognized parties made 2014, Jean-François Larose statements reflecting on the (Repentigny) withdrew from events of October 22, 2014 and the New Democratic Party expressing thanks to the police caucus, and, with Jean-François and security personnel involved Fortin (Haute-Gaspésie--La in protecting the Members and Mitis--Matane--Matapédia), staff of the House. By unanimous an Independent Member, consent the House also heard announced their intention to sit statements on the subject by as Members of a new political representatives of the Bloc party, “Forces et Démocratie”. Québecois, the Green Party and Ontario Forces et Démocratie, as well Statements, Resolutions, Special Debates as by Independent Member Standing Committee on Maria Mourani (Ahuntsic). A On September 15 and 16, Estimates moment of silence was observed 2014, the House held emergency Before the House adjourned in memory of Corporal Nathan debates on the Ebola outbreak on July 24, 2014, it authorized the Cirillo. The Speaker also made and on the situation in Iraq, Standing Committee on Estimates a statement to the House with respectively. regard to steps being taken to to hold six meetings during the ensure the security of Members At 2:00 p.m. on September summer adjournment in order to and House staff. 17, 2014, His Excellency Petro consider the 2014-2015 printed Poroshenko, President of Estimates. The Order of the On October 23, 2014, a motion Ukraine, addressed both Houses House delegated the selection was adopted further deferring all of Parliament jointly assembled of the estimates of the ministries votes that had been scheduled for in the Chamber of the House and offices for the Committee’s the previous day and deeming of Commons. On October 3, consideration to the House the House to have sat on that 2014, during Statements by Leaders of the recognized parties, day for the purposes of Standing Ministers, Stephen Harper a selection process that would Order 28 which regulates (Prime Minister), followed by normally be done by Committee the calendar of the House of Mr. Mulcair and Justin Trudeau Members once the estimates had Commons. (Leader of the Liberal Party) been tabled and referred to the made statements on the Canadian Committee.

60 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 The procedures for the review since the spring election, for Bill 10, An Act to modify the of the estimates in Ontario are the purpose of electing Chairs organization and governance of the defined in the Standing Orders. and Vice-chairs and to appoint health and social services network, The estimates are considered in a Sub-committee on committee in particular by abolishing the the order selected. The selection business. regional agencies, which modifies process occurs in two rounds the organization and governance with the Official Opposition New Lieutenant Governor of the health and social services members choosing first followed The Province of Ontario bid network through the regional by the Third Party members and farewell to its 28th Lieutenant integration of health services the Government members on Governor, David C. Onley, and social services, the creation the Committee. In authorizing on September 22, 2014. The of institutions with a broader the additional meetings, the installation ceremony of mission, and the implementation House also altered the order of Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s of a two-tier management consideration of the selections 29th Lieutenant Governor, took structure; and Bill 11, An Act submitted by the House Leaders place on September 23, 2014 in respecting the Société du Plan Nord, so that the Committee would the Legislative Chamber. Chief which establishes the Société review all the selections made by Justice of Ontario George R. du Plan Nord (the Company), the Official Opposition before the Strathy administered the Oath whose mission is to contribute ones chosen by the Third Party of Allegiance and the Oaths of to the integrated and coherent and the Government. Office. development of the area covered The Committee met for by the Northern Plan, in keeping the first time since the spring Tamara Pomanski with the principle of sustainable election on September 30, 2014. Committee Clerk development and in accordance An organization meeting was with the policy directions defined necessary to elect a Chair and by the Government in relation to a Vice-chair and to appoint a the Northern Plan. Sub-committee on committee Composition and parliamentary business. Prior to reviewing the offices estimates of the first selected ministry and at the request Two Members handed in their of the three House Leaders, resignation in recent months: by unanimous consent the Christian Dubé, Coalition Avenir Committee switched the order of Québec Member for the electoral consideration of two ministries National Assembly division of Lévis, on August in order to accommodate the 15, 2014; and Élaine Zakaïb, respective ministers’ schedules. The National Assembly Parti Québécois Member for the The Committee was scheduled held an extraordinary sitting electoral division of Richelieu, on to hold approximately 45 on July 3, 2014 to complete the September 29, 2014. hours of review of the selected consideration and adoption of the The composition of the estimates before it reported estimates of expenditure for the Assembly is now as follows: back to the House by the fourth 2014-2015 fiscal year. This sitting, Québec Liberal Party, 70 Thursday in November. The held outside of the parliamentary Members; Parti Québécois, 29 authorization from the House calendar, was a follow-up Members; Coalition Avenir extended the timeline to report to the standing committees’ Québec, 21 Members; 3 back the estimates by one week, examination of the 2014-2015 independent Members, all of as the Committee is required by estimates of expenditure that was whom sit under the banner of standing order to report back to exceptionally carried out after the Québec Solidaire; and two vacant the House by the third Thursday Assembly had adjourned for the seats. in November. summer recess on June 13, 2014. Rulings and directives from the The National Assembly The House reconvened on Chair October 20, 2014. During that resumed its proceedings on week, the remaining standing September 16, 2014. Bills On September 23, 2014, the committees met for the first time introduced in September include: Chair gave the following ruling

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 61 on a point of order raised by Other events which affects 170 plans, proposes the Government House Leader the equal sharing of costs and In August 2014, the National concerning the receivability of the sharing of future deficiencies Assembly launched its new youth a motion without notice moved between the active members and website, Par ici la démocratie. by the Member for La Peltrie, the municipal body. It further This modern, user-friendly who had quoted from a letter proposes to limit the employer’s pedagogical tool is a reliable containing arguments and contribution to 18 per cent of the reference for historic information unparliamentary language. overall payroll and to prohibit and citizenship education. This automatic indexation. In all, the “When there is consent to new online site reflects the CPP heard 28 groups over a five- move a motion without notice, National Assembly’s desire to day period. the Chair generally does not reach out to young people in rule, on its own initiative, on the their schools to educate them on On September 9, the motion’s receivability. It therefore the role of parliamentarians and Committee on Labour and the happens that motions which do democracy in society. Economy (CLE) exchanged views not entirely comply with the with six groups during special On September 18, 2014, Standing Orders are put to the consultations and public hearings the President of the National Assembly. However, once the on Bill 8, An Act to amend the Assembly, Jacques Chagnon, question of receivability has been Labour Code with respect to certain unveiled a plaque honouring raised, the chair is bound to make employees of farming businesses. the memory of the three victims a ruling, taking into account This bill defines the rights of who died during the shooting the rules of parliamentary law. association in farming businesses that took place at the National Before the Chair can put the that employ fewer than three Assembly on May 8, 1984. The question of a motion without employees. Leader of the Second Opposition notice before the Assembly, Group, François Legault, the The Committee on Institutions the motion must first be ruled Leader of the Official Opposition, (CI) carried out two orders of receivable. Standing Order 191 Stéphane Bédard, and Premier accountability in compliance states that motions should not Philippe Couillard, also took the with the Standing Orders. First, recite the grounds on which they floor during this commemorative in accordance with the power are moved or the arguments in ceremony. it has under Standing Order behalf of their object. In the case 294.1 to hear persons appointed at hand, the motion, as drafted, Standing committees by the National Assembly, the contains elements that fall within Committee held a public hearing the category of “grounds or Following a brief summer break that began on July 3, on the Public Protector. The arguments”, because they set out Public Protector, Raymonde the reasons that differentiate two after the examination of the estimates of expenditure, the Saint-Germain, presented situations and the arguments a status report, underlined supporting that contention. Such standing committees resumed their activities in August. The the challenges faced by the elements should not be included organization and answered in the text of a motion. Instead, Committee on Citizen Relations (CCR) set the current period of members’ questions. Following they should be put forth during this hearing, the Committee the motion’s debate phase, work in motion on August 19 by hearing four groups during adopted an order of initiative for minding the terms used are in the purpose of hearing Hydro- keeping with parliamentary special consultations and public An Act to Québec on the possibility of its language. One cannot introduce hearings held on Bill 2, amend the Educational Childcare becoming subject to the Public elements, by quoting a letter, Act. Protector’s power of intervention. which would otherwise be The Committee will hear the prohibited in our debates. For The next day, on August 20, Government corporation the Committee on Planning these reasons, the motion by the in October 2014. Second, in Member for La Peltrie is non- and the Public Domain (CPP) pursuance of Standing Orders receivable and, as such, cannot be held special consultations and 293.1 and 294, the CI examined An Act the object of consent to debate it.” public hearings on Bill 3, the policy directions, activities to foster the financial health and and administrative management sustainability of municipal defined of the Coroner. benefit pension plans. This bill,

62 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 Finally, the Committee on as pension plan reform, the in the Assembly Chamber. The Public Finance (CPF) held an importance of debating social Executive Councillor’s Oath was election to fill the vacant position issues in parliament, the role of administered by Lieutenant- of vice-chair following the the Senate and possible reform, Governor Graydon Nicholas. resignation of Mr. Dubé, Member the recent flooding in the prairie Premier Gallant was elected for Lévis, on August 15, 2014. The provinces, the role of a backbench Leader of the Member for Beauce-Nord, André member, the Speaker in schools Liberal Party on October 27, 2012, Spénard, was elected to this program, democratic engagement and first elected to the Legislative office. It should be noted that in of people with disabilities, and Assembly in a by-election held accordance with the amendments emergency service measures in on April 15, 2013, to represent the made to the Standing Orders the Yukon. The Commonwealth riding of Kent. for the duration of the 41st Women Parliamentarians also Legislature, the CPF has two vice- held business sessions including Premier Gallant’s Cabinet chairs. family violence research and consists of the following the rise of women’s issues Members: , Cédric Drouin and Sylvia Ford as normative discourse in Deputy Premier, Minister of Parliamentary Proceedings legislatures. Public Safety, Solicitor General, Directorate Minister of Justice; Denis Prior to the dissolution of Landry, Minister of Natural the Legislature in August, the Resources, Minister of Human Legislative Assembly reconvened Resources; , for a one-day sitting on July 29. Minister of Energy and Justice Minister Mines; , Minister introduced Bill 92, An Act to of Economic Development, Amend the Pension Benefits Minister of Agriculture, Act. The legislation enabled Aquaculture and Fisheries; retirees under the Fraser Papers’ , Minister of pension plan to benefit from Health; , Minister increased pension payouts and of Government Services; Brian to have their plan converted to Kenny, Minister of Environment a shared risk pension model. and Local Government; Bill The 57th Legislative Assembly Fraser, Minister of Tourism, subsequently dissolved on Heritage and Culture; Roger August 22. At dissolution, the Melanson, Minister of Finance, New Brunswick standings in the House were: 41 Minister of Transportation Progressive Conservatives; 13 and Infrastructure; Francine It was a rewarding summer Liberals, and one Independent. Landry, Minister of Post- for the Legislative Assembly. New Brunswickers elected a Secondary Education, Training Members and staff were pleased new government on September and Labour; Cathy Rogers, to welcome delegates from 22. The results of the provincial Minister of Social Development, across Canada and a number of election gave the Liberals a Minister of Healthy and Inclusive internationally-distinguished majority government with 27 Communities; , guests as hosts of the 52nd seats, while the Progressive Minister of Education and Canadian Regional Conference Conservatives won 21. The Green Early Childhood Development, of the Commonwealth Party won their first seat in New Attorney General. Parliamentary Association. Brunswick’s history by electing Premier Gallant announced the The conference, which took their leader, David Coon. In total, appointment of Hédard Albert place in Fredericton from July 21 new members were elected. as Government House Leader 20-26, invited over 80 delegates On October 7, , and Government Whip; Bill and their families to enjoy the Liberal Member for Fraser as Deputy Government the province and participate Shediac Bay-Dieppe, and the House Leader; Daniel Guitard in discussions touching all province’s 33rd Premier, was as Deputy Government Whip; Canadian legislatures. Business sworn into Office along with 12 and Monique LeBlanc as sessions included such topics Ministers in a ceremony held Government Caucus Chair.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/WINTER 2014 63 Premier Gallant also nominated House Leader; Carl Urquhart Oath of Allegiance and signed and Bernard LeBlanc as Opposition Whip; and Pam the Members’ Roll during a as Deputy Speakers. Their Lynch as Opposition Caucus ceremony in the Chamber, nominations must be formally Chair. presided over by the new ratified by the House. On October 14, newly elected Lieutenant-Governor. The former Premier, David Liberal MLA Gary Keating On the afternoon of October Alward, stepped down as resigned from his position. Mr. 24, the House convened for the the leader of the Progressive Keating was elected in Saint John election of Speaker. Liberal MLA Conservative Party on September East by a margin of less than 10 Chris Collins was elected on the 23. Alward was first elected in votes. A by-election is scheduled first ballot. Speaker Collins was the 1999 provincial election, and for November 17. first elected as the Member for was re-elected in 2003, 2006, 2010 On October 23, a ceremony East in a by-election and 2014. He was elected Leader was held in the Legislative held on March 5, 2007, after of the Progressive Conservative Assembly Chamber for serving on Moncton City Council. Party in 2008, and became the the installation of the new He served as Government Whip 32nd Lieutenant-Governor, Jocelyne and was named Minister of Local in 2010. Roy Vienneau. Her Honour Government in January of 2010. was named served as the vice-president of Re-elected in September of 2010, Interim Leader of the Progressive the Université de Moncton’s he served as Education critic Conservative Party on October 18, Shippagan campus, the CEO of for the Official Opposition and and will take on the position of the Bathurst campus of the New has also acted as critic for Post- Leader of the Official Opposition. Brunswick Community College Secondary Education, Training Mr. Fitch, a former Cabinet system and the Assistant Deputy and Labour; Environment; Minister in the Lord and Alward Minister of the Department of Energy; and Justice. governments, was first elected to Education. She was appointed The First Session of the 58th the New Brunswick legislature in as the 31st Lieutenant-Governor Legislative Assembly is expected the 2003 provincial election, and and replaces Mr. Nicholas, who to open with the Speech from the was re-elected in 2006, 2010 and served as Lieutenant-Governor Throne on December 3. 2014. since 2009. The Official Opposition On the morning of October John-Patrick McLeave announced the appointment of 24, Members of the 58th Committee Clerk, Research Assistant Madeleine Dubé as Opposition Legislative Assembly took their

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