And, Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 11-16(2) asked by Mr. Ramsay on Thursday, February 21, 2008, regarding direct appointments to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Direct appointments are made to enhance the public service and are made in accordance with the Public Service Act and direct appointment guidelines established by the Executive Council. Direct appointments are generally made to support the appointment of northern graduates through the Northern Graduate Employment Program (Nurses, Social Workers, Teachers, Interns) for career development of long-term employees and for ministerial staff.
Information on direct appointments is published each year in the Public Service Annual Report.
Cabinet approval is required prior to any direct appointment. The rationale for each direct appointment is confidential to Cabinet under Section 13(1) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Tables detailing direct appointments by department and affirmative action priority will be tabled in the House later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.