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The division of the Territories and outdated legislation dictated the need to review the workers' compensation system over the life of the 14th Assembly.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.