Thank you, Madam Chairperson. The committee held a wide-ranging discussion of the operations of the Legislative Assembly in conjunction with its review of the Assembly's 1998-99 Main Estimates. Issues touched on included elections before and after division, building maintenance issues, fire safety issues, the Chief Electoral Officer position, pension plan administration and services provided in the Speaker's Office. The committee is generally satisfied with the 1998-99 Main Estimates as presented by the Speaker. However, the Standing Committee on Government Operations wishes to comment on the following issues:
The committee appreciates the briefing on the current situation regarding the delivery of interpreter/translator services to the Legislative Assembly. Committee Members were concerned about the impact on interpreter/translator service delivery and the associated costs resulting from the privatization of portions of the Language Bureau. The Legislative Assembly must be able to provide language services in all of the official languages of the Northwest Territories. Former employees of the Language Bureau have moved on to other opportunities within and outside government and shortages of qualified private-sector Dene language interpreters now exist. This shortage has impacted negatively on language services to Members of the Legislative Assembly and to the public.
When the privatization of the Language Bureau was first proposed, Members of the committee expressed concern that although costs would initially be reduced, interpreter/translator services would not be more effectively delivered by the private sector.
In addition, there are serious concerns that the funding transferred to the Legislative Assembly to provide for this service will not be sufficient to cover the cost of language services for this or subsequent fiscal years. Members of the committee have also heard concerns expressed that other departments and regional staff face the same dilemma. The committee intends to closely monitor issues related to the privatization of portions of the Language Bureau. Thank you, Madam Chairperson.