Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yesterday I spoke briefly about the change in the advertising practice by the Department of Human Resources. I would like to further discuss our government’s recent decision to move all government job recruitment on-line.
As of October 1st , the Department of Human
Resources stopped putting individual job ads and job listings in print media publications, instead opting for a half-page ad promoting itself as an
employer and telling people to go on-line to look for openings.
As I said yesterday, I am concerned that this action will make it more difficult for NWT residents to apply for jobs. Many people in our smaller communities have no computer access or do not have reliable Internet or computer service.
The Minister has acknowledged there may be individuals in smaller communities without reliable access to the e-Recruit website and he’s indicated the department is taking action to ensure these residents are made aware of job opportunities through other means. But it’s not simply enough to provide printed job posters to local First Nations, hamlet and Metis offices and community stores. There must also be trained individuals who are prepared to sit down with NWT residents at government service offices and learning centres to assist them with access to on-line job postings.
The new e-Recruit system requires a level of computer literacy and computer access currently not available to many of our territory’s residents. This is a great opportunity for adult learning centres to offer training and computer literacy. It will employ one of the most successful principles of successful adult learning: learning for a purpose. The direct result of the students’ increased skills will be the ability to navigate the e-Recruit website.
Lastly, as it currently stands, you cannot apply for a job with the GNWT unless you have a valid e-mail address and that causes me additional concern. I’m not the only one concerned. In usual direct style, well-known Northern News Services Ltd. columnist and Sahtu woman warrior Cece McCauley recently asked, “What about the poor who can’t afford Internet or computers?” Not only must access to computers and the Internet be made available but the need for an e-mail address must be reconsidered and a way found around that requirement.
It’s been pointed out only 3 percent of applicants apply for a GNWT job in any way except on-line, so the move away from print advertising is probably justified.
Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted