In the Legislative Assembly on March 22nd, 1996. See this topic in context.

Concern Re Changes To Wages And Benefits Of Non-unionized Employees
Item 3: Members' Statements

March 21st, 1996

Page 37

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to express my concern about the announcements made yesterday by the Minister of Finance about wages and benefits for nonunionized employees. I think we know that, judging from the past, this is a good indication of what will happen to our unionized employees as well. Mr. Speaker, I noted that the Minister of Finance stated yesterday that the Cabinet's objectives are to be fair and reasonable. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that these deep cuts to vacation travel benefits and settlement allowances will be especially hard on my constituents who live in small, remote communities off the highway system. People who live in Yellowknife and other communities on the highway system don't get a settlement

Mr. Speaker, the vacation travel benefit now given to my constituents is also not taxable. Mr. Speaker, cutting the VTA and settlement allowances back for my constituents in Baffin Central means that they are losing a lot more than people who live close to Yellowknife.

Concern Re Changes To Wages And Benefits Of Non-unionized Employees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

An Hon. Member

Shame, shame.

Concern Re Changes To Wages And Benefits Of Non-unionized Employees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, please.

Concern Re Changes To Wages And Benefits Of Non-unionized Employees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Baffin Central is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Enuaraq.

Concern Re Changes To Wages And Benefits Of Non-unionized Employees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They are losing a lot more money and they are losing a much larger tax deduction. This is my concern. Mr. Speaker, I believe all Members accept that cuts must be made. My concern, Mr. Speaker, is that those cuts should be made in a manner which is fair to every employee regardless of where they live.

I am very concerned that my constituents and others like them who live in remote communities off the highway system, will have to make a much larger sacrifice than other comparable employees because they live so far away from Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Concern Re Changes To Wages And Benefits Of Non-unionized Employees
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.