Following a proposal from some MLAs to form an independent members’ caucus, the NWT premier says “the foundation of consensus government is collaboration.”
At a Thursday afternoon press conference, regular MLAs Kieron Testart, Robert Hawkins and Richard Edjericon – who have been critical of cabinet – unveiled their pitch to form an independent members’ committee or caucus that may vote as a bloc.
Testart said he believed cabinet would take the concerns of such a group more seriously, billing the concept as a way to “save consensus government.”
“Our system has to provide accountability and progress to the people we represent and that, quite frankly, is not happening fast enough or well enough,” he said.
Hawkins said more regular MLAs back the idea, though three other regular MLAs in attendance said they do not currently plan to join the caucus. They argue they were elected as independent members and don’t believe voting as a bloc will serve their constituents.
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In a statement to Cabin Radio on Thursday evening, NWT Premier RJ Simpson asserted that his government “has made collaboration and good governance” a pillar of its mandate.
He said the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly “can only be achieved through a cooperative approach, where all MLAs have meaningful opportunities to propose ideas, contribute solutions and shape decision-making.”
Simpson acknowledged there is room to improve how cabinet works with regular MLAs.
“I encourage all members to bring forward their ideas through the well-established rules and conventions of the Legislative Assembly, so we can continue to work together – without partisanship – toward the best outcomes for the people of the Northwest Territories,” he said.
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“Ministers are always open to meeting with MLAs to discuss issues and ideas; our doors remain open and we welcome ongoing dialogue that strengthens our consensus system and benefits the people we serve.”
Speaking to Cabin Radio following his territorial address earlier this month, Simpson said conflict between cabinet and regular MLAs is not new.
“I think it’s been an issue in every single assembly, I think it’s a feature of consensus government,” he said.
“For the most part, we have good working relationships with most MLAs.”
