Steve Norn, MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, tabled a motion in the legislative assembly on Wednesday to remove Katrina Nokleby, minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, from cabinet.
The motion was seconded by Rocky Simpson, MLA for Hay River South.
"I move, seconded by the honourable member for Hay River South that this assembly formally revokes the pleasure of the assembly from the appointment of the honourable member for Great Slave as a member of the executive council. And further that this assembly recommends that a member be chosen to be a member of the executive council at the earliest opportunity," Norn said.
Nokleby, who is also minister of Infrastructure and minister responsible for the Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission, was elected to the 19th Legislative Assembly on Oct. 24, 2019 as a first time MLA representing the Great Slave constituency. In the last election she defeated longtime Yellowknifer and business owner Patrick Scott, the sole challenger for the seat.
The motion came just a day after the assembly returned to its second session following its suspension in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Norn offered no reason why he wanted Nokleby removed from cabinet while tabling his motion, but in a phone interview with NNSL Media, Norn said he didn't make the decision lightly and that it was made after thorough deliberation with the other members of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight.
"I don't want to speak for other members of the Standing Committee. There are a variety of reasons that came around the table when we spoke. We're all going to say more about this at the appropriate time," he said, declining to elaborate.
The motion will be debated by MLAs on Friday.
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