MLA's social media post doesn't affect finance minister's work, N.W.T. Speaker rules

The Speaker of the N.W.T. Legislature says that a Facebook post alleging backroom deals between N.W.T. cabinet ministers and MLAs does not impede the finance minister's ability to do her job — adding, members need to focus more on the work of the assembly and less on arguing. 

Speaker Shane Thompson made the ruling Monday on a point of privilege raised by Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek, who argued that comments made on social media by MLA Kieron Testart impede Wawzonek's ability to engage freely with MLAs. 

A point of privilege is a tool for members to address something impeding their ability to do their job, and allows MLAs to then consider possible remedies. 

In his Feb. 26 Facebook post, Testart said the 2025 territorial budget is on track because of "backroom deals."    

"As long as cabinet has their supporters in line, the entire process is little more than accountability theatre," Testart wrote. 

The post follows Testart's pitch last month for regular MLAs to vote together as a bloc. 

Wawzonek said that one-on-one meetings are a necessary part of the legislative process and that Testart's post creates a threat for herself and those she meets with, particularly as members discuss next year's operating budget. 

"This public statement on social media undermines the ability to have those frank conversations between MLA members and myself and other ministers," Wawzonek said.  

"I should not have to worry whether I or the person I may have spoken to will find ourselves vilified in some fashion on social media." 

In his ruling Monday, Thompson said the Facebook post does not affect Wawzonek's ability as finance minister to advance the assembly's budget, but he said members need to "step up" for their constituents.  

"We're here to work together for the benefit of all people in this territory," he said. "We were not elected to quarrel and bicker. This isn't what our people expect or need."

On Thursday and Friday, MLAs raised two points of order in the assembly. That's in addition to Wawzonek's point of privilege. Thompson said that's concerning. 

"I'd expect more of you as members of this legislative assembly, the people who elected us do too," he said.

Thompson said disagreements and healthy debate are expected in the assembly, but he reminded members to consider the consequences of what they say and type, both in and out of legislative proceedings. He said that should another member raise a similar point in the future his ruling could be different.