Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce that Cabinet has decided to discontinue the internal competition process.
--Applause
In March 1998, the government approved a no layoff policy to support stability in the public service. Downsizing was still required as a result of division of the Northwest Territories. The internal competition process was put in place in August 1998 to create mobility for GNWT employees so that layoffs would not be required as a result of this downsizing.
A review of the internal competition process has been completed. It is clear that a continuation of this process will not provide any additional benefit in terms of eliminating positions affected by division. Therefore, the government will discontinue the internal competition process effective April 26, 1999.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my continued confidence in the skills and abilities of GNWT employees. Returning to open competitions will allow us to recruit the best people from within our own ranks and from the labour force outside the public service. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause