(YELLOWKNIFE) February 12, 2021 – The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly Board of Management has issued the following statement:

The Board of Management is aware of concerns raised in a letter from Nicole Latour, the Chief Electoral Officer, regarding the Board’s decision to seek expressions of interest for the position of Chief Electoral Officer. Ms. Latour’s current term expires by law on March 31, 2021.

The Board of Management made a unanimous decision to seek expressions of interest for the position of Chief Electoral Officer. The Board rejects Ms. Latour’s suggestion that there was interference or improper considerations when reaching this decision.

The Board routinely seeks expressions of interest for statutory officer positions, including most recently, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Official Languages Commissioner, the Director of the Human Rights Commission, and members of the Human Rights Adjudication Panel.

The Board of Management informed Ms. Latour of their decision to follow a fair and transparent process. The Board was aware of Ms. Latour’s desire to be re-appointed and encouraged her to apply. 

The Board remains focused on the management of the Legislative Assembly, and will not comment further on this matter or other matters currently before the Board.