As part of the OLIP curriculum, interns have the unique opportunity to participate in Study Tours to learn about various Legislative Parliamentary systems! This includes visiting the Northwest Territories (NWT) Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife to learn about its unique consensus style government, unlike the party system seen in Ontario. We had the privilege of meeting with various key figures, including Speaker Thompson, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Mayors, Independent Offices, and legislative staff to explore this system.
We were generously welcomed by Speaker Shane Thompson and Michael Ball, both longtime supporters of OLIP. Speaker Thompson and Michael were incredibly generous with their time, and through these initial conversations, we began to unravel the functionings of a consensus government, compare it to a party system, and explore the vastness of priorities and needs across the NWT.
One key takeaway from our meetings has been the vast geographic expanse of the NWT and the unique challenges that come with serving a population of 45,000 spread across such a large area. This became especially clear through our discussions with MLAs from the Executive Council, the Chief Electoral Officer, and the Ombud. We met with five members of the Executive Council, including the Deputy Premier, who introduced us to their ridings and the diverse concerns they advocate for in the legislature. On our second day in Yellowknife, we spoke with the Chief Electoral Officer and the Ombud, gaining insight into how they engage with over 33 communities across the territory. We also had a fascinating conversation about how non-partisanship functions outside of a party system and the geographic and linguistic considerations that shape governance in the NWT. Our discussion with the Ombud explored how they respond to inquiries from residents, while the Chief Electoral Officer shared the strategies used to ensure all 45,000 NWT residents have the opportunity to vote.
One of my favourite memories from the trip was our trek to Yellowknife’s Old Town to meet with Clerk Rutland, and by trek, I mean we actually got to walk across a frozen lake! Over dinner at Bullock’s Bistro, Clerk Rutland shared insights from his legal background and extensive career as a legislative staff member, and he was more than happy to let us pick his brain. We also carried on an age-old OLIP tradition by stapling our business cards to the ceiling of Bullock’s Bistro!
I would be remiss to negate a key lesson we learned on our trip; Yellowknife is very cold! Upon our arrival, we were greeted by-30 degree weather and learned quickly the importance of being bundled up.
Beyond our time at the NWT Legislature, exploring Yellowknife in the evenings allowed us to experience its stunning landscapes. From dog sledding across frozen lakes to chasing the aurora borealis and discovering local food spots, this trip has been both educational and unforgettable. The interns have been looking forward to this study tour since September, and it has truly exceeded our expectations!
On behalf of the 2024/25 OLIP Interns, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with us and support our learning!
