Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My written question is for the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Premier of the Northwest Territories. It is regarding personnel policies for excluded employees.

As you may be aware, there has been an increased discussion and concerns raised about the lack of personnel policies for excluded and senior staff of the GNWT. In particular, there seems to be a lack of formal process in which grievances between staff and officials can be dealt with in an acceptable manner.

Recently, these issues were brought to my attention by constituents and other concerned GNWT staff, who feel that a lack of a process may leave employees vulnerable to the whims of senior or elected officials.

If we wish to be able to recruit and retain top-level talent, this is a perception I believe we need to address.

Therefore, I would appreciate your views on how this government could effectively address these issues on behalf of this segment of employees who are not afforded representation by a union.

I believe it is vital we demonstrate the value we place on all our employees, including those in senior or excluded positions in this government, by providing them with the security, which is apparently lacking. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause