Testart, other MLAs to propose ‘elements of party politics’

Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart is expected to use a Thursday press conference to propose a major political change in the Northwest Territories.

Testart has tried in the past to introduce a party political system in the NWT. On Wednesday, other MLAs told Cabin Radio he was set to propose a system to “essentially bring elements of party politics” to the legislature.

The territory does not have party politics at present. Nineteen individuals are elected on separate platforms with no affiliation, then they choose a cabinet and premier from within their number.

In a post to Facebook, Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan said Testart had proposed forming an “independent members’ caucus” that she said would, if created, “agree to form a voting bloc in the Legislative Assembly.”

“If you’re asking ‘how is this different from party politics?’ I agree this is a good question indeed,” Morgan added.

According to Morgan, Testart’s proposal would give regular MLAs a choice on joining the caucus. If they joined, they would be obliged to “obey the rules set by the caucus and vote the way the caucus dictated, or else you’d be forced out of the group,” she wrote. Political parties operate similarly.

From 2023: How can the NWT get a better government off the ground?

Proponents of consensus government say it reflects a northern approach and is less polarizing and rigid than party politics. Advocates of political parties say they would provide a clearer choice at the ballot box and have more power to get things done.

Previous efforts to move away from consensus government – or at least introduce elements of party politics – have failed.

One led by Testart in 2018 was defeated by a wide margin when it went to a vote among MLAs.

On Wednesday, Testart told Cabin Radio three regular MLAs will speak at a Thursday press conference about “their concerns with the 20th Assembly and consensus government.”

Testart did not immediately confirm the detail of the proposal as outlined by Morgan. He said the timing of the press conference was to give colleagues time during an upcoming break to talk with constituents “about the budget and if it meets the needs of their communities.”

In a separate post to Facebook, Testart – apparently referring to Morgan – wrote: “It looks like one of my colleagues has decided to engage in some ‘friendly’ character assassination.” He did not elaborate.

While party politics didn’t form a pillar of Testart’s 2023 election campaign, he did propose a raft of structural changes to government when he ran unsuccessfully for premier.

Those included turning some MLAs into “associate ministers” and dissolving the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Emily Blake contributed reporting.