Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has noted with concern that there is a substantial degree of
duplication and/or overlap between certain mandates and activities of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and those in the Executive, in particular the Intergovernmental Relations and Strategic Planning office, IGRASP. Some Members are of the opinion that this has led to a waste of valuable human and fiscal resources. Others point to the overlap of responsibilities and accountability of certain high-level GNWT officials.
An important part of the work undertaken by the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and by IGRASP relates to devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations. This work falls under the ministry because of the nature of the tripartite negotiations with the federal government and the Aboriginal Summit, whereas the IGRASP office is involved because of its responsibility for GNWT participation in intergovernmental activities.
Members also note that the incumbent secretary to Cabinet, to whom the IGRASP office reports, also assumes the position of deputy minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Furthermore, a new associate deputy minister position has now been created within the Executive, to work closely with the secretary to Cabinet and deputy minister for Aboriginal Affairs. This position has been filled by an individual who will continue to occupy the position of assistant deputy minister for IGRASP, as well as assuming new duties as associate deputy minister. Given this level of overlap, the committee does not see a convincing rationale to continue to operate two separate units.
The standing committee has brought the issue of duplication to the attention of the Premier on several previous occasions and the Premier has responded favourably to consolidation, however, it has been brushed off as a project for a later date. The committee is of the opinion that it is well past time to bring these two separate entities together in one unit for the sake of clarity of mandate as well as streamlining efficiencies with the aim of cost reduction.
Finally, Members have pointed out on several occasions that there is a disconnect between the title 'Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs' and the important work that is done on behalf of all northerners in the area of devolution and resource revenue sharing. Consideration for a name that more accurately reflects the business of the ministry could also be looked into at this time.
Recommendation
The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the Premier come forward to the committee, prior to the review of the 2006-2009 Business Plans, with options to re-profile the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and IGRASP.
The committee further recommends that the proposed options address the existing problem of duplication of responsibilities and identify possible cost reductions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.