Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Our second priority was "to have a public service that is representative of the population served, that is treated fairly and managed effectively."

Committee Motion 5-14(3), Establishment of a Public Service Commission, was adopted by the Legislative Assembly early in the 14th Assembly as a first step toward fostering a climate of fairness, representativeness, competence, nonpartisanship, efficiency and effectiveness in support of the territorial public service. The Executive Council commissioned the human resources management study, or the Thornton Report, in response to the motion and transmitted the report to committee.

Although the government never formally responded to the recommendations in the Thornton Report, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight reported to the Legislative Assembly on June 12, 2001, with a preliminary Committee Report 4-14(4), which included recommendations for a process to continue to work with the government to attract, develop and maintain a highly professional workforce.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight proposed the establishment of a smaller working group to work with the government to try and advance the key areas of an independent staffing appeals process. While initial discussions appeared promising, with a review of options for an appeals process, the government wrote to committee on April 14, 2003, to say that it was unlikely that any changes to the current appeals process will be introduced in the 14th Assembly.

Members have noted that we do not have a truly representative public service as a result of problems with the affirmative action policy and the lack of employment equity measures on many occasions in the House. The government has not made any significant changes to the existing policy.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is disappointed that there has been so little progress made towards achieving a more representative public service during this Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly consider again whether a public service commission might be the best way to support managers with the tools needed to ensure effective human resource management, and in particular to address employment equity issues that appear to be barriers to a more representative public service.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly, at the very least, move quickly to establish an independent appeals process.

Mr. Speaker, our third priority was "to work toward effective government organization, structure and operations."

Initially the government was expected to complete a program and functional review concerning departments, boards and agencies to assess the effectiveness and efficiency related to service delivery. Of particular interest were the organization and structure of health and social services boards, education councils, and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The Cuff Report was commissioned by the Minister of Health and Social Services and reviewed by the Standing Committee on Social Programs.

Members questioned the establishment of regional offices and the relocation of public service positions. Despite being offered briefings on regional reorganization by the government, committee Members were eventually told that there was no government-wide undertaking to reorganize. The government did acknowledge, however, that some departments may have realigned their internal structures and resources to more effectively deliver services. While we were continually told this, we could not help but notice that many initiatives, such as creation of the Sahtu health board, appear to be a result of claims settlements and self-government negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, the government has established a Deputy Ministers Task Team to oversee a corporate review and transition plan. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight invited the government to begin discussions on options for departmental restructuring. The government told us that there would be no move for major restructuring during the life of this Assembly. The recommendations will be made to the 15th Legislative Assembly as part of the transition-planning document.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly consider the recommendation for a public service commission, when examining the corporate review of personnel functions as a means to bring together the people and resources involved in ensuring that the public service has an adaptable, diverse and nonpartisan workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn this over to my colleague, Mr. Nitah, to continue with the report.