Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In February of 2009 I advised Members that Municipal and Community Affairs was embarking on a strategic planning process in which the department would take stock of where it is currently at and lay out the key directions for the future, recognizing the current realities facing our stakeholders and partners.
MACA’s work on developing a strategic plan will contribute to the overall advancement of the
priorities of this Assembly. The Assembly’s goal of healthy, sustainable communities is one of the cornerstones we are utilizing in advancing a new strategic plan for the department.
Given the many changes in the past three years, it is time to review the achievements and milestones MACA has reached in collaboration with community governments, their representative organizations, sport organizations, and other partners; identify current and emerging issues and position ourselves to continue the positive momentum well into the future.
Through an inclusive process, MACA has developed a draft strategic plan that is now out to key stakeholders for review and comment. The draft was recently presented to the Northwest Territories Association of Communities at their annual general meeting in Inuvik. The delegates were very engaged and interested in the process and provided high level endorsement of the directions contained within the plan. Similar consultations are underway with other key partners to gauge their level of support and recommendations for future directions.
The draft strategic plan highlights for key themes that will guide the work of the department in implementing its diverse mandate for the next five years. The first theme, “A Foundation for Leadership,” recognizes that competent and effective elected leaders are necessary for community governments to function competently. As well, the financial policies, programs and partnerships that contribute sound financial management need to be in place and accessible to support community governments in making solid decisions.
The second theme, “A Clear Path Forward,” recognizes that MACA needs to ensure it has the proper tools and resources to effectively support clients. Up-to-date comprehensive legislation and policies, meaningful communication tools for connecting with clients, strong seamless partnerships, both internal and external to the department, and a skilled informed workforce that proactively adds value to everything in which they are involved.
The third theme, “Stronger Safer Communities,” speaks to the importance of MACA’s work in supporting communities to address key local issues such as community infrastructure planning and construction, land management, public safety in areas such as fire protection, emergency management, clean drinking water, and environmental planning and stewardship.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the last theme, “Invest in People, Build Communities,” speaks to the need to focus on building the skills of community government staff as well as on sustaining vibrant
healthy communities through quality of life programming such as recreation and volunteerism.
These four broad themes reflect the high level strategic directions the department is proposing to move forward over the next few years. The supporting actions and strategies will roll out in a manner that strives to balance needs with available resources, always keeping in mind that our clients and stakeholders are the key drivers of the department’s work.
Mr. Speaker, community governments and MACA’s other partners are facing a range of interesting challenges and opportunities, and as Minister, I am pleased to confirm that the department is striving to position itself to meaningfully partner with them to meet shared goals and important milestones. Once the final strategic plan is approved, I look forward to providing regular updates to Members on the activities undertaken by the department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.