Three MLAs stand up to cabinet, say they aren’t being listened to

“We’re here to set the record straight. We’re here to save the consensus government. The future of the NWT has never been under such a great threat.”
– Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart

A trio of MLAs that are fed up with the performance of Premier R.J. Simpson and his cabinet want to establish an Independent Members Caucus with other Regular MLAs to “do business differently,” as stated by Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart.

Standing at a podium in the Great Hall of the NWT Legislative Assembly Building, the former candidate for premier was joined by Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins and Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon.

Testart offered some examples of the need for a more co-operative version of consensus government, while shooting down any discussion about introducing elements of party politics.

• There are over 3,000 homes in core need, and only 100 homes being built by this government.
• Our health-care system is on life support, and the government looks prepared to cut services. We are on the brink of a trade war. Just as our diamond mines begin to close and take a third of our GDP with it.
• Our streets are no longer safe. Drug cartels are running crack and fentanyl into our smallest communities and rural and remote communities as well.
• Only six-per-cent of the 2025 budget invests in the priorities of this Assembly, the other $2.35 billion is going to status quo policies that aren’t serving northerners or their communities.

“Where is the urgency from our government?” he asked, as a number of Regular MLAs and various GNWT staff looked on. “Where are the investments in our future?

“We are not going to stand here and take it. We are going to save our consensus government system and keep the NWT strong and free.”

Edjericon said he is “deeply concerned” for small communities he believes are being overlooked by a cabinet.

“So as an Aboriginal MLA, I am standing up for small communities, and we need to be heard … right now it’s not happening.”

The trio stopped short of saying its goal is a solid voting bloc large enough to stymie Premier Simpson and his cabinet, or even force a non-confidence vote.

At least one of the handful of Regular MLAs watching the announcement stated he was not interested in the voluntary association of members being proposed.

Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rogers said while consensus government isn’t perfect, it has lasted for 50 years.

Other MLAs said it would be difficult to vote in a bloc if they disagreed with the position after discussing with constituents.

Testart said he hopes Regular MLAs will take the week-long break in the sitting to hear from constituents about the proposal.

Late Thursday, Premier Simpson — in Washington, D.C. with other premiers — issued a statement addressing the trio’s concerns.

In part, it stated: “We recognize that there is always room to improve how we work together, including enhancing information sharing, refining committee structures, and strengthening engagement with Regular MLAs. These discussions are important, and we welcome constructive dialogue on how we can continue to evolve and strengthen our consensus system.”

Thursday afternoon in the Assembly, Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo said he wondered how long a community should expect a danger such as an abandoned buildings to remain in a community before Housing NWT will tear it down?

“The smaller communities have a lot to offer in terms of knowledge, culture, respect, and the kindness of its residents, that is, until one comes upon the abandoned buildings an eyesore to the community that belongs to Housing NWT,” he said

“When visitors come to see the come to these smaller communities, and the first thing they see is one of these buildings. This gives a bad perception of our beautiful communities.”

He said a private landowner wouldn’t be allowed to let badly maintained buildings linger.

Nerysoo engaged Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana on the subject during Oral Questions.

Kuptana said Housing NWT has 293 units in the Mackenzie Delta riding. Of those, 265 are occupied, one is surplus and approved for demolition, four are approved for sale. In addition, there are three units ready for occupancy, four with repairs in progress, and 16 that require repairs.

Kuptana, who is MLA for the Nunakput riding, wouldn’t commit to a timeline to effect repairs or removals, but did say she would met with Nerysoo to see what can be done.

“Living in small community, you drive around, you walk around, you see many units within the community that are boarded up or that have no windows, or busted up windows,” she said.

“Housing NWT is working within our communities, working with Indigenous governments to either remediate or demolish or modernize these homes.”

The session resumes February 25th for a four-day sitting.