Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I’ve been using my Member’s statement quite a bit lately to discuss the treatment of GNWT employees in relation to the budget reductions. I want today to also follow up on statements made this week during Committee of the Whole by the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment as the committee reviewed that department’s budget.
During our discussion on the department’s affected employees, the Minister stated — and I quote the unedited Hansard — “...there are no positions with affected employees in the 2008–2009 budget,”
meaning all the positions are vacant but will be eliminated this year. Shortly after, in answer to questions from my colleague Mr. Abernethy about how many employees are affected and/or have received notice that their position is affected, the Minister said, and again I quote from the unedited Hansard: “The reason for that is that all employees potentially affected both in 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 have been advised.”
I have to say that the Minister’s statement made me think: What? We’re laying off people for next year’s budget? Not only are we causing angst and emotions among employees affected by reductions in this year’s budget, but we’re creating havoc with the emotions of even more employees by advising them of potential layoffs to take place a year from now — this for a budget that hasn’t even been developed or printed yet, not to mention it’s a budget unseen by Regular Members. Are we trying to drive people from the public service? This is one sure way to do it.
The Minister also stated Tuesday, “That was the practice we’ve been following,” and “It was felt that it was important that we advise the employees.” Who made those decisions, and on what basis? It is unclear right now if this action cuts across all departments, but I know for certain that ITI and Transportation employees have been notified that they are potentially affected in the 2009–2010 year.
Regular Members have had no input into the proposed budget for 2009–2010. They’ve had no chance to discuss the department’s business plans with the appropriate Ministers, yet departments are advising staff that positions will be eliminated in April 2009. What was it I said last week? Oh, yeah; I said: Where in this scenario is the opportunity for us to comment on the proposed options and implementations? I can only come to the same conclusion today that I did last week: in this scenario there is no opportunity.
Mr.
Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to
conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.