Overview
Function
The Northwest Territories Social Assistance Appeal Board is established to hear appeals arising out of decisions made by the Social Assistance Appeal Committees established under the Social Assistance Act.
Jurisdiction
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department Responsible
Department of Education, Culture & Employment
Authority
Social Assistance Act (NWT)
Board Composition
The Board shall be composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and not fewer than three other members.
Alternate Members
There are no alternate members.
The legislation does not provide for the appointment of alternate members to the Board.
Chairperson
The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Vice-Chairperson
The Vice-Chairperson is appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Quorum
Quorum is three members.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment under section 7(2) of the Social Assistance Act (NWT).
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term not exceeding four years.
Time and Travel Requirements
An appeal hearing may be conducted in person or by conference call.
Remuneration
Members shall receive remuneration according to Executive Council classification and Financial Management Board Secretariat directives.
Category - Regulatory/Quasi-judicial
Chairperson - up to $400 per day
Member - up to $325 per day
Chair and members – 50% per half-day (i.e., 3.5 hours or less), for work on board business for each day of meetings
Other Considerations
Any information provided to members is confidential and shall not be disclosed except for specific reasons.
Current Membership
| Position | Appointee | Term Start | Term Expiry | Number of Terms | Appointed By | Nominating Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Member | Connie Benwell | 2023-03-27 | 2027-03-26 | 1st term | Minister of Education, Culture and Employment | |
| 2. Member | Melanie Gentles | 2023-03-27 | 2027-03-26 | 1st term | Minister of Education, Culture and Employment | |
| 3. Member | Clarence Wood | 2023-03-27 | 2027-03-26 | 3rd term | Minister of Education, Culture and Employment | |
| 4. Member | Angelina Mackeinzo | 2023-03-27 | 2027-03-26 | 1st term | Minister of Education, Culture and Employment | |
| 5. Member | Matthew Yap | 2023-03-27 | 2027-03-26 | 2nd term | Minister of Education, Culture and Employment |