Yes, that's exactly what I said.
---Laughter
This secondment was continued over a number of years at the government's expense. However, the current policy regarding secondment clearly states that the receiving organization usually pays the full costs associated with the secondment. This is from the Human Resource Manual, section 1407, page two.
Recommendation 8
With reference to Piruqsaijit, the committee recommends that the Department of Economic Development and Tourism provide a complete justification for the continuation of this secondment and an assessment of compliance with government policy. This report should be provided to the Standing Committee on Finance prior to the review of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism's budget in committee of the whole.
Committee Members believe that the idea of seconding a trained government employee to a new business for a short period of time has merit. If the government wishes to continue this practice of promoting secondment, then policies and guidelines should be in place to ensure that equal opportunities exist across the territories.
Recommendation 9
The committee recommends that the Department of Economic Development and Tourism consider and develop a policy for secondment of government employees in new business ventures and provide the Standing Committee on Finance with a draft policy by May 31, 1994.
NWT Development Corporation
The Minister responsible for the Development Corporation made it very clear that the top priority for the corporation is job creation. The committee fully supports this position and encourages the Development Corporation to continue to create as many jobs as possible for northerners.
Committee Members feel that the Development Corporation can enhance its performance in job creation by focusing on identifying and supporting small business opportunities. To date, the Development Corporation has supported the development of a few large initiatives in a few regions and communities. While the Development Corporation has $6 million in capital in place for the fiscal year 1994-95, only about $600,000 of this amount has not been committed to ongoing projects. Most of the large projects are concentrated in one region. There is concern about this approach creating economic disparity among regions and communities.
In addition, the committee feels that by adopting a strategy to focus on small business opportunities, the Development Corporation can be more cost-effective. The cost per job created will be reduced and the opportunities for individuals increased.
Recommendation 10
That concludes the Standing Committee on Finance report, Mr. Chairman. Shall I get right into the motions?