The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the government, through an established joint working group, continue to work toward the establishment of an independent body that would be responsible for safeguarding the values of a professional civil service;

And further, that such a body or commission would be established as an independent, arms length entity to hear appeals and to report to the Legislative Assembly annually on the Northwest Territories public service;

And furthermore, subject to further direction, that body or commission would assume such other human resources roles assigned to it.

In general, Members are supportive of the reasons cited for an Employment Equity Policy. We believe that employment equity is a commitment that eliminates discrimination in employment and achieves and maintains a representative workforce. Such a commitment requires the participation of stakeholders in the development of equity policies. In addition, successful implementation requires that the Legislative Assembly recognizes employment equity as a priority and is committed to an effective program. It remains unclear to Members how this priority will be reflected in the accountability framework of the Department of the Executive and in the specific business plans of the departments. We are also concerned about the process of reframing the Affirmative Action Policy to an Employment Equity Policy. The committee welcomes further discussion on this aspect of the report.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the committee feels that we should continue to move toward establishment of an independent commission or body to hear appeals. This body should report to the Legislative Assembly on an annual basis. However, members are not yet convinced that the other recommendations in the report will improve human resources management throughout the public service. We need to set up a process to further examine how to improve human resource reporting, monitoring, and accountability by the Government of the Northwest Territories to the public.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight looks forward to continued consultations with the Premier and Cabinet to ensure that these issues are addressed.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight on our response to the Human Resources Management Study.

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that Committee Report 4-14(4) be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.