Thank you, Madam Chair. On Thursday, May 31, 2012, the Standing Committee on Government Operations presented its Report on the Review of the Human Rights Commission’s 2010-2011 Annual Report. The report, which includes two recommendations, was read into the record by the chair of the committee and a motion was passed to move the report into Committee of the Whole.
The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Mary Pat Short, the outgoing chair of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, and Ms. Therese Boullard, the outgoing director of the Human Rights Commission, for their many years of dedicated work to promote and uphold human rights in the Northwest Territories. Our territory has been very fortunate to have such committed leaders in the field.
The standing committee expresses its concern in the report of the high number of complaints of discrimination, particularly in employment on the grounds of disability. Members would like our government to lead the way for other employers, in the recruiting and accommodating of persons with disabilities. All Members, I’m sure, share this Human Rights Commissioner’s vision of a North at peace with diversity, where everyone is safe, confident and respected on their journey.