progress On Committee Priorities

In the Legislative Assembly on October 9th, 2003. See this topic in context.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1361

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Our first priority was "to advocate for the rights of the public and those needing a voice in dealings with government."

The absence of human rights legislation and the potential for litigation were the driving forces behind the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight's actions to advocate for the advancement of human rights legislation, a children's advocate and improved access to information and protection of privacy legislation.

Very early in our mandate the Legislative Assembly adopted Committee Motion 15-14(2), Enactment of Human Rights Legislation, on March 31, 2000. The government responded by introducing human rights legislation that was given third reading by the Legislative Assembly. The legislation is in the process of being implemented now, and the Human Rights Commission should be fully operational by spring.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has not undertaken any significant action to advance the establishment of a children's advocate office, although Members had hoped to see a government proposal to address this issue.

The committee advocated for the rights of the public to a more open and transparent government by reviewing the annual report and recommendations of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Commissioner, and presented the Report on the Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Commissioner's Report 1999-2000 in the Legislative Assembly. This marked the first time that a standing committee reviewed this annual report and considered the Commissioner's recommendations, thus setting the stage to have future reports automatically referred to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight. In subsequent years, the committee also reviewed the Commissioner's 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 reports. Over the life of this Assembly, the committee has recommended several amendments to the ATIPP legislation. The government has responded positively to many of the recommendations, most recently through Bill 27.

However, Mr. Speaker, Members were disappointed the government did not move more aggressively to extend access to information and privacy protection legislation to NWT municipalities, either by including them in the existing act, or developing separate legislation. Members are also concerned the federal government now has jurisdiction over the collection, storage and use of personal information by the NWT private sector, under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. The committee urged the government to bring forward substantially similar legislation in order to ensure that local privacy issues are addressed by made-in-the-NWT law. Unfortunately the government has declined to take action on this issue.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly consider legislation to address information and privacy issues the committee has identified with respect to municipal governments and the private sector

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would ask the Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden, to continue with the report. Thank you.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1362

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1362

Bill Braden

Bill Braden Great Slave

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.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1363

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The chair will now recognize the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

October 8th, 2003

Page 1363

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our fourth priority was "to see a cohesive and current workers' compensation system and governing authorities to meet the changing environment."

The division of the Territories and outdated legislation dictated the need to review the workers' compensation system over the life of the 14th Assembly. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight advocated for such a review, and the Minister responsible for the board responded by making a commitment to conduct public hearings and prepare appropriate legislation for introduction and passage during the life of this Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight supported the recommendations of the Review Panel as outlined in "Act Now" and urged the government to introduce appropriate legislation. Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, and Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Safety Act, were introduced by the government as phase I of their response to Act Now, and dealt with many of the recommendations contained in the report.

During its review of Bill 23, the committee raised concerns that there may not be adequate protection in legislation for employees who make safety complaints to their employers. The committee would urge the WCB to undertake a review of this issue in order to determine whether further amendments are needed.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the 15th Legislative Assembly quickly follow up on the remainder of the legislation proposed for phase II.

Our fifth priority was "to develop an energy strategy to address the changing NWT environment and outside influences."

The committee urged the Executive Council to develop a comprehensive energy strategy, by leading a campaign to call attention to high cost of energy, green house gas emissions and the need for alternative energy options. Committee was successful in having the Legislative Assembly adopt a motion calling for the development of a comprehensive energy strategy. The government responded with the establishment of an Energy Secretariat in June of 2001 and the announcement of a special advisor to the premier to head up the secretariat.

While committee supported the need for a strategy, the recently released energy strategy is disappointing and appears to contain nothing more than "motherhood and apple pie" recommendations. There are no practical options proposed to address the major issues originally identified by committee.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight remains generally supportive of the government's exploration of hydroelectric potential both as an alternative to fossil fuel consumption and as a revenue source.

Our sixth priority was "to see a strategy for sharing control of resources including non- renewable resource development, and environmental impacts and liabilities of development."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has been supportive of the government's work with the Aboriginal Summit through the Intergovernmental Forum and is on record as supporting the government in negotiations for a devolution agreement. Committee named two representatives to attend the Intergovernmental Forum political meetings as observers and to report progress to Members. In addition, the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs has provided regular briefings to committee.

While the cooperation of the Aboriginal Summit and the Government of the Northwest Territories is encouraging, Members are unsure of how much progress has actually been made toward negotiating an adequate resource revenue-sharing agreement. Given our fiscal outlook, this is a crucial area in which we need to see advances.

Our seventh priority was "to develop a diversified long-term fiscal outlook for the GNWT."

Committee worked with the Minister of Finance and Cabinet in supporting the development proposal related to non-renewable resources in the NWT to the Government of Canada. Representatives have lobbied to heighten awareness of the northern funding issues. We were heartened by last weekend's announcements that significant parts of the plan would see federal funding over the next few years.

As the Minister of Finance has kept reminding us of the approach of the debt wall, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has played a watchdog role and has consistently advised the government to adopt a prudent approach to fiscal management. Unfortunately, Members of the committee have limited impact on the spending priorities of the government.

Our eighth priority was "to advocate for adequate housing for residents."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight acknowledged the lead role of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, but continued to lend support to advocate for adequate and affordable housing for NWT residents. In 2001, committee strongly urged the government to re-examine proposed new initiatives and find a way to invest at least $2 million to $3 million in additional housing programs.

The committee followed up with a theme day in 2002 and presented a committee report on adequate, affordable and suitable housing for residents of the Northwest Territories.

The government responded by announcing in the 2003-2004 Budget Address $1.7 million in each of the next three years in additional grant and contribution funding for specific communities to provide for new housing and renovations to existing housing.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleague, Mr. Roland, continue with the report. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1364

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. The chair will now recognize the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

progress On Committee Priorities
Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 1364

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our ninth priority was harmonization.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight supported the initial objective of the harmonization strategy to assess income in the same manner in all NWT departments and agencies. However, Members became concerned when issues were raised during implementation that the process was not perceived to be fair to all affected parties. Consequently, a motion to establish a working group of 14th Assembly Regular Members and Ministers to review the harmonization strategy was adopted by the Legislative Assembly with a deadline for implementation of April 2004.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight would like to remind the 15th Legislative Assembly that a deadline of April 2004 was set for the implementation of the harmonization strategy.

Our tenth priority was "to advocate for reduced cost of living for residents."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight continued to advocate for reduced living costs for northern residents by discouraging increases to fees and taxes that would add a burden to northern residents, and by supporting amendments to the Income Tax Act to benefit both individuals and northern businesses by:

  • • Supporting amendments to the Income Tax Act to increase the deductions and credits and a minimum cost of living tax credit for individuals.
  • • Supported amendments to the Income Tax Act to reduce the general corporate income tax rate and the small business income tax rate.

Our eleventh priority was "to support the development of prevention measures and promote awareness of the detrimental effects of FAS/FAE."

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight took the lead to organize a theme day to raise awareness about what is now called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. All committee Members spoke on the issue, as did many Cabinet Ministers.