Premier R.J. Simpson and multiple MLAs have sounded off on having an independent caucus within the legislative assembly.
On Feb. 12, a trio of regular MLAs - Yellowkjnife Centre's Robert Hawkins, Kam Lake's Kieron Testart and Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh's Richard Edjericon - announced the creation of the caucus, arguing that cabinet ministers are dismissing concerns from regular MLAs and instead favouring their own agenda and voting in solidarity with each other.
The independent caucus would unite a group of regular MLAs to vote as a bloc in response.
In an statement, Simpson stated that he encourages all members to bring their ideas through the rules and conventions of the assembly so they can continue to work together without partisanship.
"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," Simpson said. "These discussions are important, and we welcome constructive dialogue on how we can continue to evolve and strengthen our consensus system."
Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong told SA国际影视传媒 on Thursday that her constituents are not ready for an independent caucus, likening it to party politics.
"Some of our (Tlicho) leaders are saying it is going to create a division," she said.
For this caucus to work, it would need total support from government, added Weyallon Armstrong, but right now, there's plenty of different views.
In her experience, she said it's been easy getting a hold of cabinet ministers.
"If I need to talk to them, I text them or I email them or I call them and they return my call," she said. "I do get along (and) we all have to get along with each other because we all want our government to work. We all want to make progress. We all want to move forward. And I know Testart and them, they want to move forward, too.
"Sometimes, we may not agree with what's going on. It might have an impact on our region, or other regions, or on the Indigenous (people). So, we have to take that into consideration."
Armstong added she'd like to speak with more people before coming to a final conclusion about the independent caucus.
Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely also told SA国际影视传媒 he hasn't made up his mind about the idea yet
He said he wants to speak with his constituents and community members.
"I definitely have to take this back to the leadership in the Sahtu," he said.
McNeely said his initial reaction about the caucus was not of shock or fear, but rather he wanted to educate himself on this proposal.
He said he sees some value in the caucus, but stressed he wouldn't make any commitments until hearing from his leaders first.
"I try to build a working relationship and that's what our Elders and our leaders spoke to me about during my campaign," he said.
McNeely added his region has plenty of economic potential, yet is burdened with a high cost of living, namely because of the lack of infrastructure.
These concerns, he said, have been heard from cabinet.
"I've got a good working relationship with everybody, cabinet included and the Premier," said McNeely.
Other MLAs, such as Yellowknife Centre's Shauna Morgan and Frame Lake's Julian Morse, have not personally expressed support for the caucus. Morgan said it does not align with her values, and Morse said he's not prepared to join.
The assembly will resume sitting on Feb. 25.
