Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Prior to session ending in early March of this year, Premier Morin announced in this House that there would be no more layoffs during the term of this government. Premier Morin indicated that there would be no more layoffs either due to division or to department consolidations. This announcement is good news for my constituents and would obviously have relieved anxiety for some of the current staff of the GNWT. It would be fair to say that our public service has been greatly effected by the changes that have taken place during the rein of this government as we work toward division and the fight against the deficit. We have downsized, consolidated, eliminated and taken away from employees of the GNWT. It would also be fair to say that one of the greatest results of these changes has been the financial implications felt by employees and their pocket books. Employees have now been assured their jobs are secure. The union and the GNWT have been negotiating a new collective agreement. I have heard concerns of many employees about the Hay Plan Job Evaluation System recently adopted by this government. I have also heard the frustration from employees who have been waiting for a settlement to the pay equity issue.
Mr. Speaker, these are very serious issues which are still affecting our employees. You cannot reasonably expect employees to give 100 percent when such serious issues are outstanding. We cannot afford to risk losing anymore employees who are still looking for better security and more stability. More than ever, we need the knowledge and experience which are still here to carry us through division and beyond. I also have questions about the new collective agreement, especially as it affects our GNWT employees within Yellowknife. There are many questions coming my way on pay equity and the Hay Plan, as I mentioned. We must clear the air, Mr. Speaker, we must resolve these issues which are impacting our employees and the morale. Mr. Todd referred to them as our most valuable resource, which I agree with. Both this government and the UNW have to get back to the table with no preconditions to talk about our employees and their membership. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause