Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Over the past six months, the government has raised the possibility of amalgamating the NWT Housing Corporation and the Departments of Public Works and Service, and Transportation. Ordinary members have serious concerns about this possible amalgamation. In our previous session, we passed a motion in the House to ensure there was full consultation and support of the members for the amalgamation before it proceeds.
Ordinary members of this House met this morning to discuss the paper tabled yesterday. We have a number of concerns. Other members will probably discuss these items in full detail. However, I wanted to give a general overview of some of the issues. The government's paper mentions taking into consideration changes necessary for 1999. However, the proposed structure is not consistent with the structure being proposed for Nunavut in Footprints 2.
In 1989, the government felt there was sufficient justification to divide the department of Public Works and Highways into two departments, the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation. Less than 10 years later we are putting them back together again. The motion passed in this Assembly directed that the amalgamation not proceed until a paper on the amalgamation is tabled, and approved, in the Assembly. However, in the covering letter from the Premier, the final paragraph indicates that the Premier announced the decision to amalgamate. It also says that the plans must be completed by April 1st, 1997. This is certainly not a letter indicating that there is any room to discuss whether the amalgamation should occur.
Ordinary members are only being offered an opportunity to comment on the mandate. In any discussion paper on the amalgamation members are expecting strong reasons and explanations for why it is necessary. The paper tabled is very broad and does not provide sufficient rationale for making this major change. It is not the sessional discussion paper members are expecting. Members are aware that employees are being told that there is a possibility that departments will amalgamate and, some members understand, that this has been communicated to employees in written form.
To introduce the air of uncertainty for our employees who have already been through the difficulties of budget reductions, is unacceptable. The Premier has assured this House that no decision will be final until the amalgamation is approved by the Assembly, however, members are well aware, through their constituents, that there is preparatory work going on.
While, in theory, things can be stopped at any point, we are, unfortunately well aware, that it is difficult, or impossible, to stop the wheels of government process once they are in motion. These are some of the key points ordinary members raised this morning related to the proposed amalgamation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.