The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, is providing information related to Public Interest Disclosure under Part VI of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (the Act). The Speaker’s authority under the statute is very limited and, despite requests to do so, does not provide for public disclosure or tabling of such reports in the House of Assembly. Subsection 58(10) of the Act limits the Speaker to make a referral of a report to an appropriate entity following an assessment of the circumstances of the matter.
The House of Assembly Management Commission is one of several entities referenced in subsection 58(10) as an option for referral of a report, depending on the circumstances. The other options for referral contemplated in subsection 58(10) include the Auditor General, the Attorney General, the Minister of Finance or “other appropriate official to take appropriate action.” It is possible, depending on the nature of the findings and recommendations, that a report could be referred to multiple entities.
Reports respecting discipline of a Member of the House of Assembly under the MHA Code of Conduct follow a different process than those related to Public Interest Disclosure. The statute provides that Code of Conduct reports must be tabled by the Speaker and subsequently debated in the House, as the authority to discipline Members rests only with the House due to parliamentary privilege.
Should there be individuals engaged in any process under the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act who feel they require additional supports or assistance, they are encouraged to contact the Manager of Human Resources, House of Assembly at 729-7214 or HOAHRServices@gov.nl.ca.
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“As Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Member for Lewisporte – Twillingate, I have sworn the oath of office for Members and I am bound by the MHA Code of Conduct. It is in this context that I must commit to due diligence and following appropriate processes for any matter referred to me in accordance with the intention of the Legislature and the authorities delegated to the Speaker in the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act. Any reports I receive will be taken seriously.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly
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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca