MLA withdraws censure motion against health minister

A Yellowknife MLA who had sought to censure the health and social services minister for “poor performance” has removed his motion to do so.

Earlier this week, Kieron Testart, the MLA for Range Lake, gave notice that he planned to put forward a motion to censure Lesa Semmler following an audit that found “serious shortcomings” in the NWT’s child and family services.

The motion accused Semmler of failing to “execute immediate, corrective operational remedies to protect vulnerable youth” or carry out reforms to medical travel policies. It said she had not upheld “operational and accountability standards required of her portfolio,” among other criticisms.

In the Legislative Assembly on Thursday afternoon, Testart announced he was withdrawing the motion.

Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon, who was set to second the motion, gave his consent for the motion to be withdrawn.

Neither Testart nor Edjericon gave reasons for withdrawing the motion.

Following publication of this report, Testart made a post on Facebook about the decision, which he shared with Cabin Radio. He wrote that the rules of the Legislative Assembly do not allow MLAs to explain in the House why they are withdrawing a motion.

Testart wrote that all 11 regular MLAs had “agreed to stand together” in supporting the creation of an independent child and youth advocate office and meaningful reforms to child and family services. He said he and Edjericon were satisfied the whole assembly was taking the audit and need for independent oversight for children and youth seriously.

“This motion served its purpose without needing to be debated and now it is time to move forward and hold the minister to her promise of better care for children and hold MLAs accountable to their commitment to establish a child and youth advocate,” he wrote.

All nine regular MLAs who were present in the assembly at the time previously passed a motion in February advocating for the creation of a child and youth advocate office.

Testart and regular collaborator Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins have called for Semmler to resign or for the premier to shuffle her portfolio numerous times during the current sitting of the legislature.

Semmler has responded that she will not resign, while the premier has said he would not shuffle cabinet or ask Semmler to resign.

‘Dealing with difficult issues’

Hawkins had said he planned to bring forward a motion on Thursday, to be seconded by Testart, advocating for the Department of Health and Social Services to be split into two departments. That motion was not introduced in the assembly on Thursday.

Hawkins could still introduce the motion during the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly, which is currently scheduled for October 20. He told Cabin Radio other MLAs had suggested a broader conversation about the idea informally in the interim.

Testart, Hawkins and Edjericon form a self-styled “independent caucus,” which other regular MLAs have declined to join.

In his opening statement in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Premier RJ Simpson spoke about the importance of cabinet being accountable and all MLAs “working through disagreement with respect” and committing to the principles of consensus government.

“Residents expect us to hold each other accountable. They also expect us to do that work with respect, humility, honesty and a shared commitment to the public good,” he said.

“We are dealing with difficult issues. We are dealing with long-standing challenges in systems that affect people’s lives in very real ways. These issues deserve strong scrutiny. They also deserve careful words, honest debate, good governance, and a focus on solutions.”

Minister ‘remains committed’

In a lengthy statement sent to Cabin Radio on Thursday evening, Semmler said the issues with child and family services raised in the auditor general’s report were “not acceptable.”

But the minister insisted “the system has moved,” pointing to improvements in the metrics associated with oversight and compliance in child and family services.

Children entering that system are now “more likely to stay connected to their parents, siblings, extended family, culture and community,” Semmler wrote.

“This is not a system that exists to apprehend children. It is a system that is increasingly focused on prevention, family support, cultural connection, and keeping children safely connected to family and community whenever possible.”

Even so, she acknowledged much work remains.

“I did not come to this role as a bystander,” Semmler continued.

“I am an Indigenous woman. I am a nurse and a former frontline health-care professional. I have worked inside this system. I also grew up in an Indigenous family and community where I saw, and still see, firsthand, the impacts of addiction, trauma, colonialism and systemic failure.

“This work is hard. It is necessary. And I remain committed to it.”

Ollie Williams contributed reporting.