5.3.6

Description: 
We will improve public visibility and accessibility of Cabinet by organizing Cabinet meetings in each region of the NWT, holding selected Committee-of-Cabinet meetings in public, and meeting with standing committees in public more frequently.
Lead Dept: 
EIA
Priority: 
5.3
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Priorities and Planning
Number: 
6
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Governance
Background Information: 

GOVERNANCE

Commitment 5.3.6 – We will improve public visibility and accessibility of Cabinet by organizing Cabinet meetings in each region of the NWT, holding selected Committee-of-Cabinet meetings in public, and meeting with standing committees in public more frequently.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is engaged in a number of activities related to open government, including holding public Cabinet open houses and public meetings of Committees-of-Cabinet (COCs). 

Cabinet (also called the Executive Council) is the senior decision-making body of the GNWT and is made up of the Premier and six ministers and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of government.  In the Northwest Territories consensus system of government, the Premier and Cabinet are selected by the Members of the Legislative Assembly during a territorial leadership meeting. The Premier is responsible for assigning portfolios to Cabinet Ministers and establishing mandates based on the priorities of the Legislative Assembly.  More information about Cabinet can be found here: http://www.gov.nt.ca/premier/cabinet.

COCs consider issues in broad sectoral areas that often involve the mandates of multiple Ministers and departments. COC discussions help to coordinate the work of multiple departments, reduce internal silos and support Cabinet decision making.  There are four COCs that broadly reflect the priority themes outlined in the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2016-2019 (Revised):

  • Priorities and Planning
  • Economy and Environment
  • Energy and Climate Change
  • Social Envelope

More information about COCs can be found here: http://www.gov.nt.ca/premier/cabinet-committees.

Public Cabinet open houses were held in Norman Wells and Inuvik in spring 2016, in Hay River in September 2016, in Fort Simpson and Yellowknife in October 2016, and in Fort Smith in October 2017 (Milestone 1).  A public COC meeting (Economy and Environment) was held in Hay River in September 2016 (Milestone 2).

Related Mandate Commitments

  • Commitment 5.3.5 – We will establish an Open Government Policy to enhance civic participation, increase the availability and accessibility of information about government activities, and explore new technologies for openness and accountability.
  • Commitment 5.3.7 – We will improve opportunities for meaningful public input into government decision making by improving access to government public engagement initiatives and reporting on how public views have shaped government decisions.

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.