An ad hoc disciplinary committee of the Nunatsiavut Assembly has determined that the ordinary member for Hopedale, Rachel Saunders, had breached several sections of the Code of Conduct act for elected officials.
The committee had investigated two formal complaints regarding the conduct of Ms. Saunders.
The committee was chaired by the speaker of the Nunatsiavut Assembly, Edward Blake- Rudkowski; deputy speaker Charlene Palliser, ordinary member for Rigolet and AngajukKâk Barry Andersen of Makkovik.
The code of conduct act is an Inuit law that applies to elected officials, with the expectation that leaders and representatives of the Inuit will lead lives deserving of respect, give guidance, act wisely and fairly and be respectable and considerate of all people.
The expectation is that elected officials will be leaders who will set a good example by their own behaviour and will not engage in personal conduct that brings discredit to their offices.
If an individual feels that an elected official has breached the code of conduct he or she can submit a complaint to be dealt with by the speaker of the assembly.
If the speakers feels that the complaint has merit, he or she can establish an ad hoc discipline committee of the assembly for an investigation and determine of the matter.
If the discipline committee finds a member guilty of misconduct it has the authority to impose penalties.
Under the act, the decision of the discipline committee is final, binding, and not subject to appeal or review.