Mr. Speaker, the mandate of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is to:
- a) review issues with government-wide implications;
- b) conduct the overview of the budget and the fiscal framework;
- c) consider the budgets and financial management of boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee, including the office of the Legislative Assembly;
- d) examine the reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General;
- e) review government reports on financial and performance results and program evaluation reports to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;
- f) coordinate House business scheduling and planning in cooperation with appropriate Cabinet representatives; and
- g) consider any other matter referred by the House.
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight held a two-day operational and planning session followed by a workshop to set priorities and objectives in February and March of 2000. As part of its operational approach, Members agreed on a vision, mission and value statement and set out priorities and objectives for the committee. These objectives were developed around issues that had government-wide implications and would therefore fall into the scope of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight. In addition, it was agreed that the committee's objective was to be as open as possible to stakeholders and the general public. The committee has made every effort to ensure that this philosophy of openness has underscored all of its activities.
Government-wide issues were identified and articulated as nine goals or objectives:
- To achieve progress on 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 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;
- To maximize the benefits of recreational activities and to foster the positive effect that recreation has on community health and well-being.
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight also has ongoing goals that are explicit in the mandate.
- The comprehensive overview of the Northwest Territories budget and fiscal framework;
- The consideration of budgets and the financial management of the NWT Workers' Compensation Board, the NWT Power Corporation and other similar government boards and agencies.
- The examination of the Auditor General reports; and,
- Coordination of House business scheduling of planning in cooperation with Cabinet.
Progress on Committee Priorities
Mr. Speaker, a summary of key efforts undertaken in support of each goal or objective is outlined below.