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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Personal conflicts and insulting speech have no place in the legislative assembly, according to the current session's referee.

David Ramsay: Minister of Transportation reacted to Yellowknife Centre MLA's barbs. - NNSL file photo

Jackie Jacobson, Speaker of the legislative assembly, made his disappointment in the behaviour of two members clear following Thursday's budget address.

Jacobson said the tone of an exchange between Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins and Transportation Minister David Ramsay Wednesday was "really disrespectful."

"Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Ramsay are both experienced members. Mr. Hawkins set the tone in his member's statement by using provocative, insulting language. He accused Mr. Ramsay of being thin-skinned and then jumped up to a point of order when the Minister reacted to a strong language of his own," said Jacobson addressing the assembly.

In Hawkins' member's statement last Wednesday, he said his constituents were calling the Transportation Minister "reverse" Ramsay, and accused the minister of hiding things from the public.

The conflict was regarding a $16-million negotiated contract involving the Det'on Cho Corporation for the Ingraham Trail realignment.

"This House is not a theatre. It may be that way in other jurisdictions, but not here. We're elected by the people to lead, not to entertain each other or entertain the viewing public," said Jacobson, before ruling that there would be no point of order.

"Whatever is going on behind the scenes I want members to leave it at the chamber doors when you come in here and focus on the work of the people when we’re in here."

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