Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Despite somewhat anemic interest from Yellowknife elders, the legislative assembly received enough applications to cover all seven Yellowknife constituencies for the upcoming Elders Parliament.

Jessica Fournier, the public affairs and communications adviser at the legislative assembly, said the assembly has seen more interest from elders in the communities than from Yellowknife elders. In the end, however, the assembly received 70 applications for the 19 available spots representing the 19 territorial MLAs.

The purpose of Elders Parliament, said Fournier, is to bring elders 50 years of age and over from across the NWT to the legislative assembly and acquaint them with its processes and inner workings.

"It gives them the chance to take on the role of an MLA," she said, "and then they get to bring their opinions and voice their concerns, and usually that's more specific to their age group."

The first Elders Parliament took place in 2010. The event will continue on a biennial basis, alternating with Youth Parliament.

Unlike Youth Parliament, however, elders partake in a mock territorial leadership committee, whereby they choose the speaker, premier and cabinet ministers just as MLAs did last October. They don't just automatically inherit the positions of the MLAs they are representing, said Fournier.

Throughout the earlier part of the week, elders learn the basics of an MLA's job, including writing members' and ministers' statements. They then hold one day of session, which is attended by the actual MLAs.

Elders Parliament is scheduled for May 7 to 11.

The application period closed March 9 and Fournier said the assembly would issue a news release in April with the names of the chosen applicants.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.