Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we expend a lot of words in this Legislature talking about how much we value our public service, those people behind the scenes carrying on the work of this government. They do not get their picture on the front page of the newspaper when the government undertakes a successful initiative. They do not take the credit in any public way when programs and services that Northerners are counting on are consistently delivered in our communities day in and day out, year after year.
When there are statistics indicating success in meeting the needs of our constituents, how often are we quick to recognize the talent and dedication of the people on the ground who make it happen?
Tonight, I hope to go to Hay River to help honour dedicated GNWT employees who will be receiving long service awards. These events and functions are great but they are not a substitute for a philosophy of fair practice, stability and access to opportunity in their workplaces.
Earlier in the life of the 14th Assembly, Regular Members brought forward a proposal for a Public Service Commission. There are pros and cons of the establishment of such an institution. It is reasonable to believe that given the size of our government, it should be possible to keep our eye on the ball, so to speak, in ensuring a high standard of fairness and equity as the norm in our departments and workplaces.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the rules of engagement are not very clear. This uncertainty creates a lack of confidence and morale amongst our public service. Some may argue that this lack of clarity allows for flexibility in achieving our goals for things such as a representative workforce. I suggest that in fact, flexibility equals misunderstanding and it creates more problems than it solves.
Because our jurisdiction is so small, it does not take too many unexplained interventions to have people feeling insecure or looking over their shoulder. This in turn causes tension between employees, tension between management and staff and tension between management and their political masters. It is possible for situations to deteriorate to a political milieu, potentially losing all sight of the goal, which is serving the public and the public interest.
Unionized employees have the avenue of grieving issues through their unions. Although this is not a perfect science, it is an opportunity. What about excluded employees? What about people trying to enter the public service? What about employees on probation? What avenues do they have at their disposal if they are on the receiving end of what they consider to be unfair treatment?
This is a government that started off with a stated commitment to fairness, openness and accountability. This has to extend to our public service. Mr. Speaker, we do not have a Department of Personnel any more. We have an Affirmative Action Policy that seems rather subject to individual interpretation.
Maybe we do not need a full Public Service Commission, but judging from the number of personnel issues around hiring and firing that have been raised just lately, I would like to hear a response from this government.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.