Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address the topic of board governance. Mr. Speaker, I have thought long and hard about what board governance means and what it means to the people of the Northwest Territories. I have sat on a variety of boards during the course of my life. Mr. Speaker, it has always been my contention that it is truly a good thing when local people have control over their own destiny. Our local people are the best judges of the proper way to expand resources in their own communities.
Mr. Speaker, I feel we must, as a government, continue to recognize and applaud the efforts of these hard working people who continue to devote countless hours on our various boards. However, Mr. Speaker, we need to do more than applaud these dedicated board members. Our government needs to be diligent in providing these people with the tools they require to do their job. Mr. Speaker, a common theme I often hear from board members is they are unsure of exactly what their mandate is and exactly what their parameters are as board members. I believe it is imperative, Mr. Speaker, that board members are provided with adequate training by this government and receive a clear definition of what their roles and responsibilities are. Mr. Speaker, board members often say that they lack the training necessary to effectively carry out their task.
Mr. Speaker, it has always been my contention that boards of any agency are appointed by this government, by the government of the day, but that they should enjoy some autonomy and some sense of an arm's length relationship from government. Mr. Speaker, board members have to believe that they have the right to operate within their mandate without fear of repercussion. Mr. Speaker, I believe it sets a very dangerous precedent when board members from around the North are made to feel that if they come out against any government policy or direction, that they will be fired or replaced. This does nothing to instil confidence in this government for the people of the NWT. Mr. Speaker, I think it's time that we, as a government, decide what it is we want from our boards and do everything we can to give them the tools they need to do their jobs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause