Mr. Speaker, the committee had anticipated receiving the programs and functional review concerning departments, boards and agencies and looked forward to assessing the effectiveness and efficiency related to service delivery. Of particular interest were the organizational structure of health and social services boards, education councils, and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The Minister responsible for Health and Social Services commissioned the Cuff report to examine the role and structure of both the department and the boards. The Cuff report is presently before the Standing Committee on Social Programs.

Motion 14-14(2), Request for a Comprehensive Audit of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, was defeated in the Legislative Assembly.

The committee was offered a briefing on regional reorganization by letter in June. To date, however, the government has advised us that they are not ready to actually deliver the briefing.

Survival of Official Aboriginal Languages

Mr. Speaker, the Official Languages Act called for a mandatory review every ten years with one due during the 14th Legislative Assembly. A Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act has been established. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight will continue to review the annual reports of the Languages Commissioner.

A Cohesive and Current Workers' Compensation System and the Associated Governing Authorities to Meet the Changing Environments

Mr. Speaker, the division of the Northwest Territories and outdated legislation dictated the need to review the workers' compensation system over the life of the 14th Assembly. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight advocated for such a review and the Minister responsible for the board responded by making a commitment to conduct public hearings and prepare appropriate legislation for introduction and passage during the life of this Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight looks forward to reviewing the results of the panel's hearings and to new updated legislation being introduced.

An Energy Strategy to Address the Shifting NWT Environment and Relevant Outside Influences

Mr. Speaker, the committee urged the Executive Council to develop a comprehensive energy strategy by leading a campaign to call attention to high cost of energy, greenhouse gas emissions and the need for alternative energy options.

Committee members noted that previous Assemblies had called for the government to develop a strategy in view of significant energy costs in the Northwest Territories and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Through its efforts to heighten awareness and draw attention to energy issues and concerns, committee was successful in having the Legislative Assembly adopt a motion calling for the development of a comprehensive energy strategy.

The government has responded with the development of an Energy Secretariat in June of 2001 and the announcement of a special advisor to the Premier to head up the secretariat.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is generally supportive of government's exploration of hydroelectric potential both as an alternative to fossil fuel consumption and as a revenue source.