Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Over the term of this government, there have been a number of restructuring initiatives undertaken in the bureaucracy: Government Services and Public Works were amalgamated; the Executive, Finance, Personnel, and the Financial Management Board Secretariat were completely reorganized; corrections programs were transferred to Justice; Municipal and Community Affairs recently underwent a significant reorganization; and, most recently, the Departments of Health and Social Services were combined.
Many of these initiatives were taken in response to the Strength at Two Levels report, or to other recommendations such as those of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. Others were intended to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of government bureaucracy. The committee notes with approval the government's efforts to streamline the operations of the government, and to improve the efficiency of the public service.
However, committee Members have some concerns about the implementation of these initiatives. The employees of the public service are one of the most important resources available to the government. Yet, many of these restructuring initiatives have been implemented with poor communications to employees affected, and often with little evidence of an organizational plan. Government employees understand that such initiatives may lead to lay-offs or job reclassification. Committee Members note with approval that the workforce adjustment program is quite a generous one, and has made the task of downsizing much less difficult for employees. But it is critical that all employees be kept informed throughout the process, to avoid uncertainty, and the subsequent loss of morale.
The committee urges the government to exercise all due consideration and concern for public service employees involved in restructuring or reorganization initiatives. The government is likely to downsize further in the future, and it is important that Cabinet approve improved policies and procedures in order to ensure that senior managers keep affected employees well informed throughout restructuring initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, that concludes my introductory comments on the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance.
Motion To Receive Committee Report 4-12(7) And Move Into Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for North Slave, that the report of the Standing Committee on Finance on the Review of the 1995-96 Main Estimates be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole.