Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to begin by congratulating the Department of Human Resources for the GNWT being named Top 100 Employer in Canada. I think that’s hard work from the department throughout, I guess, but HR being responsible and one of the main leads on that.
My other opening comments would be about the job creation. The Minister talked about decentralization and devolution. We’ve also created a bunch of jobs this year. My indication is 56. I am just wondering what the process is from HR’s perspective on what different departments have to do when they create a new position. Are there justifications that are required? Regarding decentralization, is their focus on why this is being located in certain locations?
The other area that I would like the Minister to discuss a little bit is with the GNWT we are getting larger and larger and we’re seeing vacancies in positions. Those numbers seem to be growing as well. There is always a constant number of jobs/positions that we cannot fill. Whether we are in the transition or in the middle of filling them and some positions maybe have questions on whether we can actually fill them year after year. What is the Minister doing to reduce those numbers in filling these empty positions?
The other area the Minister discussed was whistleblowing. I’m just looking for more clarification and definition on whistleblowing. What is the actual definition of whistleblowing? I understand the concept of it, but are we talking about territorial employees being able to complain about their bosses or complaining about other departments? Typically now, that’s kind of frowned upon. I am just looking for more clarification.
Those are my main concerns right now, Madam Chair.