Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a report from the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight on our Priorities and Objectives Setting Workshop.
Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2000, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight participated in a Priorities and Objectives Setting Workshop. The workshop was a follow-up meeting to the committee's Operational Planning Workshop held on February 18 and 19, 2000. The purpose of our workshop was to identify the short, medium and long-term goals the committee wishes to pursue during the life of the 14th Legislative Assembly. Members had many topics of consideration that they felt should be addressed over the next four years. During the workshop, the committee was cognizant of the mandates of the Standing Committee on Social Programs and the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, and refrained from encroaching on these mandates.
Mr. Speaker, at the end of the workshop, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight had 13 broad goals. These are only our initial goals and we know that they are not static. The committee will continuously refine them to meet the changing needs of Northerners.
Our goals are:
- • to achieve progress and constitutional and electoral reform;
- • to advocate for the rights of the public and those needing a voice in dealing with government;
- • a public service that is representative of the population it serves and is treated fairly and managed effectively;
- • a more effective government organization, structure and operations;
- • survival of the official aboriginal languages;
- • a cohesive and current workers' compensation system and the associated governing authorities to meet the changing environments;
- • an energy strategy to address the shifting Northwest Territories environment and relevant outside influences;
- • a strategy for sharing control of and responsibility for Northern resources; and
- • to maximize the benefits of recreational activities and to foster the positive affect that recreation has on community health and well-being.
Mr. Speaker, the ongoing goals of our committee that are explicitly included in our mandate include:
- • the comprehensive overview of the Government of the Northwest Territories' budget and fiscal framework;
- • the consideration of budgets and the financial management of the Northwest Territories Workers' Compensation Board, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and other similar government boards and agencies;
- • examination of the Auditor General reports; and
- • coordination of House business scheduling and planning in cooperation with Cabinet.
Mr. Speaker, there is a great deal of work to be done by the committee in order to fulfill our goals. We have a full agenda before us and look forward to our future dealings with the government in achieving these goals.
Mr. Speaker, that concludes Committee Report 5-14(2), Report of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight on our Priorities and Objectives Setting Workshop. Mr. Speaker, I move that Committee Report 5-14(2) be received and adopted.