Mr. Speaker, I rise, today, to express my disappointment in the conduct of the Minister of Workers' Compensation Board, who just announced his appointments for the Workers' Compensation Board.
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I want to make it abundantly clear that I am not against the individuals chosen, as I feel that Mr. Wray does have the ability to do the job. However, I do want to indicate the process used for these appointments is not one to be proud of. Mr. Patterson has consulted with only a few Members of this Assembly in determining who should be considered for these appointments. In consultation with many of the Members, it appears that Mr. Patterson has only consulted with the eastern Members of the Assembly, and this convinces me, in regard to the concern that I expressed in this House before, about Mr. Patterson's eastern mentality as a Minister.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker, it is the issue of the motion placed forth in this Assembly that has been totally ignored. On December 12, 1991 this Assembly moved, and I quote: "that the government of the NWT postpone filling membership vacancies in all government-created boards and agencies until after March 31, 1992." Today is only March 3; "and further, that where it is clearly in the public interest to reappoint members of boards and agencies, that these appointments be made for the shortest possible term." Mr. Speaker, the Government Leader's response at the time was, and I quote: "Mr. Chairman, I would like to compliment the committee on its work and its diligent look at the concerns on the many boards and agencies that we have in the NWT. The government has no problem with the recommendations. It compliments the kind of thinking that we have had on some of the requests that have been raised by the general voter of the NWT. "So once again I would like to compliment the committee on their work and suggest that the recommendation be supported." End of quote by the Government Leader.
These appointments certainly are contradictory to the Government Leader's comments in December, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell Mr. Patterson that as a Member of this Assembly I am not the least bit impressed with the process you used and with the total ignorance in violating and ignoring this House's recommendations. Thank you.