Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA calls N.W.T. Health minister's behaviour 'offensive' after 'nay' vote
CBC
An N.W.T. MLA is describing the Health and Social Services minister's behaviour toward him in the legislature as "offensive," and in line with a colonial way of thinking
Richard Edjericon, the MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, told CBC News Thursday evening Minister Julie Green's treatment of him amounts to bullying.
The latest conflict between the two elected officials ignited during Thursday's sitting, when Edjericon went over the time limit for his member's statement. As he sought unanimous consent to conclude his statement, Green said "nay."
Edjericon told CBC in an interview Thursday that he was "looking for nothing more than her full resignation," and planned to give notice of that in the House next week. On Friday, he walked those comments back.
He said he doesn't plan on calling for Green's resignation anymore. Instead, he said, he's consulting with chiefs and elders in his riding, and plans to make a statement on Monday.
CBC has obtained a copy of an email Green sent Edjericon after her "nay" vote to explain her reasoning. She appears to CC other MLAs and cabinet members.
In that email, which Edjericon said was not shared by him, Green said Edjericon exceeded his allotted speaking time every day this week.
"I have complained to the Speaker but he is not willing to shut this down. I am," the email reads.
Green confirmed to CBC that she sent that email to Edjericon.
In an email to CBC, Green said the Legislative Assembly's rules limit member's statements to two-and-a-half minutes so there is an equitable time for each MLA to speak.
She said she, too, has been "nay"-ed — "The difference between my experience and today is that I provided MLA Edjericon with an explanation why I nayed him," she wrote.
While Edjericon told CBC he isn't the only one who has exceeded the time limit for his member's statement, Green said he went over more frequently and for longer amounts of time.
She also noted that Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Semmler, who was acting as Speaker on Thursday, reminded MLAs of the time limit on their member's statements.
Edjericon said he was offended by Green's vote, and he was just trying to do his job as MLA and represent his constituents. He added he was disappointed to see her copy other MLAs on her email.