Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
WHEREAS all Members of this House are interested in the ongoing pursuit of efficiencies in government as stated in the priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS many kinds of efficiencies are best determined by program staff and other employees and should not be imposed on organizations;
AND WHEREAS there are currently some examples of boards which have a long history of efficient, effective, democratic, and fiscally responsible performance that do not need reform;
AND WHEREAS the Premier established a Refocusing Government Strategic Initiative Committee, which was followed by Minister Miltenberger launching the Board Reform Initiative with a predetermined end point on seven regional services boards;
AND WHEREAS the Cabinet has not considered other options for board reform nor adequately consulted with education, health, and housing stakeholders, First Nations, aboriginal governments, and other community leaders;
AND WHEREAS the Cabinet has not undertaken any detailed analysis of the implications of the proposed board reform;
AND WHEREAS all Members know there will be numerous legislative amendments and legal challenges, significant costs, important implications for employees, complex negotiations to harmonize arrangements within self-government agreements, and the loss of principles which are fundamental to existing boards;
AND WHEREAS Northerners and current board members are very concerned about the proposed direction taken by Minister Miltenberger and the Cabinet;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the Cabinet set aside its decisions and assumptions about board reform;
AND FURTHER, that the Cabinet immediately initiate a process without a predetermined end point with full public input to find efficiencies that improve the effectiveness of government processes and board structures, and that the benefits and disadvantages that may be associated with changes to board structures be discussed with Northerners, GNWT employees and managers, First Nations, aboriginal governments, and other community leaders, and Members of this House with the intent of openly and constructively working towards a viable solution satisfactory to all Northern residents.
---Applause