Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a reply to an oral question asked by Mr. Ootes on February 18th, 1997. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment has carried out an analysis of the overall work force and GNWT staff in both the east and the west. For Nunavut, this work has supported the development of Inuit employment plans and the Nunavut Unified Human Resources Development Strategy. For the west, this work has provided planning documents for use by departments, boards, and agencies. However, a comprehensive plan for the development of the western public service has not been prepared.
The federal commitment of incremental funding for training in Nunavut is based, in part, on Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claim. This article commits the Government of the Northwest Territories to increase Inuit employment "to a representative level." As well, the Nunavut Political Accord signed by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories, reinforced the importance of a significant commitment to training and development in order to meet this goal. These commitments are unique and are not reflected in agreements related to the western Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, to further strengthen northern employment, this government has undertaken a number of broad initiatives including the development of an economic planning framework, a labour force development plan, and a northern employment strategy. We are also working on specific training initiatives, such as mining. The GNWT is supporting self-government negotiations in the west, as well as the development of a constitution for the western territory.
However, Mr. Speaker, there is no existing commitment made by the federal government in a land claim or through an accord concerning the west which would commit the federal government to provide additional funds for training in the western territory. However, in formula financing negotiations with the federal government, the Government of the Northwest Territories will strive to ensure that there is adequate funding to run both territories after division.
Mr. Speaker, copies of the planning documents prepared for the west will be forwarded to the Member for Yellowknife Centre for his information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.