Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise an issue in this House today that is affecting a number of my constituents. The issue, Mr. Speaker, concerns the young offenders' facility in Hay River and how it is being staffed.
This government-run facility is recognized as needing a certain number of full-time jobs. However, half of these positions are being filled with part-time employees. For a number of years, the administration has elected to fill these positions with casual employees. I assume, Mr. Speaker, that this is happening under the direction of this government.
This situation does nothing as far as giving employees job security and affecting their ability to advance in their chosen field, to say nothing of workplace morale.
Mr. Speaker, this situation has been compounded by recent staffing changes that have taken place. Employees who have been working as full-time casual have had their job classification changed and have been replaced with students who have very little training.
I feel this creates an unsafe practice. Indeed, it sets up the possibility of instances that could have very serious consequences. Mr. Speaker, if this government can hire negotiators for indefinite periods of time, even when it is unknown whether they will be needed more than two or three times a year, surely we can give employees job security by filling full-time positions with full-time employees. At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister some questions in this area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause