Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the more than 4,000 public service employees who work for this government are the backbone of our programs and services. It is their efforts, skills and abilities that allow us to deliver top quality programs to Northerners. Today, I would like to speak about two initiatives that allow the government as a whole to better support our employees so they, in turn, can continue the work.
The first initiative is the introduction of a new employee recognition program to promote and recognize the efforts and achievements of public service employees. In last year's recognition survey of all government employees, staff suggested ways to improve the frequency and nature of recognition. This program is based in the results of that survey and provides a broader approach to employee recognition.
In addition to improvements in the existing retirement and long-service awards, there are new parts to the program.
Departments are able to implement their own employee recognition program. Department recognition may be formal or informal and will recognize outstanding achievements of employees or teams that support departmental goals. Service application awards have been created to recognize the commitment of long service employees who are leaving the GNWT and are not eligible for retirement.
As well, I am pleased to announce that the Premier's Award for Excellence will be given on an annual basis to teams or individual employees for outstanding achievements that have had a positive effect on government. In honour of those achievements, the Premier's office sponsors an annual award event in June during Public Service Week. Recipients are chosen through a simple process that is available for anyone wishing to nominate an employee or team. The process for nominating individuals will be available shortly.
Awards will be given to employees or teams whose achievements demonstrate excellence and innovation in meeting the objectives of government. Examples of the types of achievements that could be recognized are:
- creative solutions resulting in improvement to government-wide systems or processes;
- exceptional performance on an ongoing basis;
- outstanding commitment to complex projects or ongoing activities;
- unique contributions that demonstrate excellence and innovation; and,
- personal milestones that support government objectives.
Mr. Speaker, the government is also taking steps to assist employees with strong management and leadership potential to gain the skills and experience necessary to take on progressively more senior management roles in the future. The management assignment program will get underway later this month and will provide individuals with assessment, training, developmental assignments, coaching and mentoring to help them develop their professional skills.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize and appreciate the dedication of our public service. These programs demonstrate our appreciation and the government's commitment to supporting those who are carrying out the programs and services necessary to serve the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause