N.W.T. MLAs asked to watch behaviour on social media, again

During one of the final days before the fall session wrapped up, the Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislature reminded members he's not oblivious to comments made on social media. I've previously said members must. Be careful when referring proceedings in the House on their social media. Problems over how members use their social media accounts aren't new to this assembly. Last year Thompson had to settle an argument over a Facebook post alleging backroom deals between cabinet ministers and MLAs. He gave members a warning at the time as well. People we represent in this assembly are also concerned about this about the behavior that they're seeing and I've been spoken to numerous times. on the street here and in my own riding. During the final days of this fall sitting, one member tabled a set of guidelines on public statements. It comes after a motion last year that raised concerns over how a member's behavior on social media can affect the Legislative Assembly's credibility. It reminds members to be respectful, not make personal attacks, and think about how their public statements affect others, the Legislative Assembly, and public confidence in our democratic institutions. The guidelines also stress that posts on social media are permanent, even if they can be deleted later. While lively debate and disagreement are not new to territorial politics, or even Canadian politics, one expert says the degree, the tone, and the negativity have increased over time and it could signal that change is on the way for the territory's political system. It's quite possible that the territory is approaching a kind of tipping point where the consensus model is no longer an ideal fit for where its politics actually are. Press says the consequences of poor behavior from an MLA can vary. They can be voted out of office in a future election, or they can be censured while they're still in office. Otherwise, he says, it could be up to members to call out specific people who are interrupting the normal flow of business. And session resumes next February. Devin Trudynik, CBC News, Yellowknife.