Cabinet Operational Guidelines During a Transition Period Tabled

News Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (October 1, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod tabled new guidelines in the Legislative Assembly today that will govern the activities of Ministers and the public service during the upcoming election period and following days before the establishment of the next Legislative Assembly. The Cabinet Operational Guidelines During a Transition Period set out the principles of restraint during the campaign and the broader period of time around the creation of a new government called the ‘transition period’.

The Guidelines outline how members of the Executive Council and the public service will conduct themselves, how information will be shared to avoid electoral advantages, as well as the rules around advertising and procurement. They recognize that while it is essential to continue routine business, the government must respect its caretaker role and ensure that decisions made during this period do not offend the principles of restraint.

“Our government is committed to transparent, responsible public administration and these guidelines will be an important tool for holding Ministers to account on how we live up to that commitment,” said Premier McLeod. “This openness will help everyone understand what the rules are as we head into this busy time of transition and how they will limit Ministers’ roles. As the 17th Assembly comes to a close, I am confident that we have done our due diligence to ensure fairness and transparency, principles that I am confident will continue into the next Assembly.”

The guidelines on the transition process are part of the enhanced approach being undertaken by the Government of the Northwest Territories to ensure a smooth and efficient transition between the 17th and 18th Assemblies.

Media inquiries:

Andrew Livingstone
Senior Cabinet Communications Advisor
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 767-9000 ext. 11091
Email: andrew_livingstone@gov.nt.ca