I am pleased to present the 2015-2016 Main Estimates for the Department of Human Resources. Overall, the department’s estimates propose an increase of $688,000, or 2.9 percent, over the 2014-2015 Main Estimates. These estimates continue to support the objectives of limiting expenditure growth in order to sustain the long-term sustainability of the fiscal framework.
Highlights of the proposed estimates include: • the decentralization of a web technologies
specialist position from headquarters to Fort Simpson;
• the addition of one new position to help us meet
our French language services obligations; and
• in our role as a corporate service provider, $4.7
million, or 19 percent of the Department’s 2015-2016 funding, is allocated for direct support to departments and agencies through programs to address hiring, development and well-being of GNWT employees. This investment and support also ensures we connect with northern residents to fill our job opportunities.
The proposed Department of Human Resources’ estimates continue to support the priorities of the 17th Assembly. Specific activities in support of these
priorities include: • The Department of Human Resources will lead
the development of a human resource management accountability framework to align the GNWT with modern best practices globally in human resource management.
• This framework will continue to move the
GNWT towards the goals and objectives of 20/20: A Brilliant North, the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan.
• The accountability framework is a strategic
tool that supports a modern high-performing public service by maximizing the value of the workforce and developing people’s potential to achieve the strategic goals of the GNWT.
• It is fundamental to guiding sound human
resource management decisions. It establishes the supporting structure to set
clear roles and responsibilities and reasonable performance expectations based on legislation, policy and regulations and recognized best practices in human resource management.
• It also establishes a foundation for continuous
improvement and performance measurement to monitor progress, measure results, perform evaluations and adjust to improve strategic outcomes.
• It is anticipated the framework will have a
positive impact on the GNWT’s efficiency and effectiveness of business processes by reducing time and maximizing effort spent on human resource management.
• A focus on risk will also help prioritize efforts.
Measuring return on investment will also help communicate the positive impact of Department of Human Resources’ work on the organization and provide evidence of positive returns on investing in people and in Human Resource programs.
• Developing a strategic business partnership
with clients will be a primary focus of the department. Human Resources professionals will continue to add value to line managers in human resource planning and recruitment of a qualified and representative public service.
• Through these modernization efforts, we will
continue to build a diverse, competent and well-managed workforce, capable of and committed to delivering high quality services to the people of the Northwest Territories.
Madam Chair, that concludes my opening remarks. Thank you.